Cardboard Tube Flow Control via Segmented Guide Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems cannot efficiently feed cardboard tubes from multiple tube forming machines or different conveying lines into a single accumulator, leading to inefficiencies and potential deformation of the tubes due to weak forces.

Innovation Solution

A device with motorized chains and interception members, controlled by sensors and actuators, is used to manage the feeding of cardboard tubes into an accumulator, ensuring they are supported and aligned to prevent deformation, allowing tubes from multiple sources to be integrated into a single accumulator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If tubes from multiple tube forming machines are fed into a single accumulator using existing supply devices, then the productivity and resource utilization are improved, but the tubes are deformed due to weak forces and improper support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidtube integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the feeding system into separate guiding channels for each conveying line, with each channel independently guiding tubes from a specific source. This segmentation allows multiple tubes from different machines to be handled separately without interfering with each other, preventing deformation while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Guiding channels act as intermediary elements between the conveying lines and the accumulator input. These channels provide a controlled pathway that supports tubes during transfer, distributing forces evenly and preventing the weak forces that cause deformation in direct feeding systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a simple feeding system is used to reduce device complexity, then the ease of manufacture and operation are improved, but the ability to handle multiple conveying lines without deforming tubes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeeding system complexityVSAvoidcapability to accommodate multiple sources
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with multiple guiding channels that can accommodate tubes from different conveying lines through a single unified structure. This multi-functional design allows the same device to handle various tube sources while maintaining simple operation and manufacturing, achieving both versatility and simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding channels are arranged in a vertical configuration above the accumulator input, utilizing the vertical dimension to organize multiple conveying lines. This spatial arrangement allows multiple sources to be integrated without increasing horizontal complexity, maintaining a compact and simple device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3140231B1Device for controlling a flow of cardboard tubular cores
Publication Date: 2021.12.29 FUTURA SPA
  • EP3140231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3140231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3140231B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

Device for controlling a flow of cardboard tubular cores (1) adapted to produce logs of paper material and intended to be stored in a collection point (2) placed downstream of the same device, comprising more conveyors (5; 7) each of which is adapted for carrying the said tubular cores (1) up to the entry point (6D) of a respective guide channel (6) having an entry point (6D) and an exit point (6F), interception means (8) adapted for intercepting the tubular cores (1), said interception means being arranged and acting on each of said channels (6) to adjust the flow of the tubular cores through the respective exit points (6F), and programmable means (UE) adapted for activating and deactivating said interception means (8). The interception means (8) are adapted to selectively form two nips (N1, N2) inside the guide channel (6), the nips (N1, N2 ) being selectively formed at a predetermined distance from each other.