Butt-joining device with adjustable rolling and welding alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing splicing devices for strip or sheet materials require manual operator intervention, leading to reduced productivity, safety risks, and imperfect alignment of welding and cutting zones with rolling means, resulting in weakened or incomplete splicing due to variations in material elasticity and mechanical characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A mechanized splicing device with ultrasound heating and adjustable relative positioning of rolling and welding/cutting stations, using mechanical retaining and traction means to maintain consistent product displacement, independent of material elasticity, and featuring adjustment mechanisms to ensure precise alignment and reproducible quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual operator intervention is used to position the welding and cutting zone, then certain parameters such as product elongation can be taken into account, but the positioning remains approximate and involves long downtime reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidmachine productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated mechanical transport system that moves the product between workstations. The positioning is achieved through controlled mechanical displacement of the product rather than manual operator intervention, eliminating both the imprecision and downtime associated with manual positioning while maintaining adaptability to material characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used for positioning, then operator dexterity requirements are reduced, but operator safety is compromised due to engagement of hands and arms in the splicing device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator skill requirementVSAvoidoperator safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operator from the hazardous zone by implementing automated positioning systems that eliminate the need for manual intervention in the splicing device. The operator's hands and arms are completely removed from the danger area, while the automated system handles all positioning operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while eliminating safety risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If mechanical means of restraint and traction are used to move the product, then the positioning should be consistent, but offsets occur due to variations in product stretching and mechanical characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoidzone alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system that adapts to variations in product mechanical characteristics. The system uses adjustable mechanical means that can be configured for different material properties, allowing consistent positioning despite variations in product stretching. The adaptability compensates for material variability while maintaining high automation levels and precision alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If the welding and cutting zone is not precisely aligned with rolling means, then parts of the product may be weakened by untimely rolling or may tear during subsequent tensioned movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvezone alignment precisionVSAvoidproduct strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses automated mechanical transport systems with precise control to ensure accurate alignment between the welding and cutting zone and the rolling means. This eliminates the misalignment that causes product weakening and tearing, while the automated system maintains consistent positioning across multiple operations, thereby preserving product strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device significantly reduces manual intervention, enhances operator safety, improves productivity, and ensures precise and reproducible splicing by maintaining consistent alignment of welding and cutting zones with rolling means, minimizing material waste and tearing.

Implementation Method 1

the heating is carried out by ultrasound, and the splicing device comprises means for adjusting the relative position of the means of rolling and of the welding and cutting area to be rolled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic heating: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a rolling workstation with rolling means by heating the welding and cutting zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic heating: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP2683636B1Butt-joining device comprising rolling means
Publication Date: 2017.08.02 ABATE PIETRO
  • EP2683636B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2683636B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2683636B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (6) for butt-joining a product made of strips or webs of material, said device comprising a soldering and cutting workstation (7) and a rolling workstation (8). The butt-joining device (6) comprises means (16) for adjusting the relative position of the rolling means (9) and the soldering and cutting zone to be rolled.