Glue Spreading Station Roller Position Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glue application stations for bag production face challenges in applying the precise amount of glue, leading to issues like leakage due to insufficient glue and extended drying times due to excessive glue application, with manual adjustments being slow and inefficient, especially when material formats change or machine components wear.

Innovation Solution

A control device is implemented to monitor the radial position of rollers using position sensors and adjust the spindle positions automatically, coupled with a flow rate measuring device to calculate and regulate the exact amount of glue applied per workpiece, ensuring consistent quality and minimizing waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual adjustment of roller radial position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to frequent readjustments needed when format changes or wear occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidglue application precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect roller position and actuators to adjust the radial position automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for manual readjustment while maintaining high precision in glue application, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and manufacturing precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the radial position of the applicator roller and pressure roller, and the control system adjusts the roller positions based on this feedback to maintain optimal glue application. This feedback loop ensures consistent precision without manual intervention, addressing the contradiction by automating the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual readjustment of roller position is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to downtime during readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol systemVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual readjustment operations with an automated control system that continuously monitors and adjusts roller positions without interrupting production. This substitution eliminates downtime associated with manual adjustments, thereby improving productivity while the control system manages the complexity of coordination between multiple rollers.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous glue application by automatically adjusting roller positions in real-time without stopping the production line. The control system maintains continuous operation by coordinating the applicator roller, metering roller, and pressure roller adjustments, eliminating interruptions and maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If radial position of rollers is adjusted manually, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to wear and vibration effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment mechanismVSAvoidglue application consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual adjustment with an automated control system that compensates for wear and vibration effects through continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments. The system maintains reliable glue application by automatically correcting position deviations caused by machine operation, wear, and environmental factors.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback control to maintain reliable glue application by continuously monitoring roller positions and adjusting them to compensate for wear, vibration, and other disturbances. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent glue application quality despite changing operating conditions, improving reliability without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Manufacturing precision

If precise glue application is achieved through manual adjustment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent readjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglue dosing accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual adjustments with an automated control system that maintains precise glue application through continuous monitoring and automatic positioning. This substitution eliminates adjustment time while preserving dosing accuracy, as the control system rapidly adjusts roller positions without human intervention.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains continuous glue application with automatic roller positioning, eliminating interruptions for manual adjustments. The control system continuously optimizes roller positions to maintain precise glue dosing without stopping production, thereby reducing time loss while preserving manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2252408B1A device and a method for spreading glue or adhesive on workpieces in a desired format
Publication Date: 2012.11.07 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP2252408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2252408B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a glue spreading station (10) for spreading glue or adhesive (6) on workpieces in a desired format during the production of bags. The glue spreading station (10) contains a glue housing (5) which accommodates the glue or adhesive (6), an application roller (1) which is used to withdraw glue or adhesive (6) from the glue housing and to spread on the plate of the plate cylinder (3), said plate transferring the glue onto the workpiece (7) in the desired format. At least one metering roller (2) can be used to influence the amount of glue withdrawn by the application roller (1) from the glue housing. A counter-pressure cylinder (4) guides the workpiece during glue transfer of the plate cylinder (3). The glue spreading station further comprises spacer elements, for example spindles, which can be used to adjust the radial relative positions of the above rollers (1, 2, 3, 4) to control the glue spreading quantity. The spacer element can be driven by motors.