Hem Winder with Segmented Mandrels for Fast Ejection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seam winders face issues with mechanical stability at high strip speeds and prolonged non-productive times during the ejection of finished seam rolls, due to structural complexity and limited adjustability of winding mandrels.

Innovation Solution

A seam winder design featuring two coaxially arranged winding mandrels with separate displacement bases, allowing for high-speed axial displacement and robust bearing, along with independent drive units for each mandrel, enabling efficient and reliable winding and quick ejection of hem bales.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single overhung winding mandrel is used, then the device structure is simplified, but the mandrel travel distance becomes long resulting in prolonged non-productive time for ejection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemandrel structureVSAvoidnon-productive time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The single winding mandrel is segmented into two separate winding mandrels (first and second winding mandrels) that can operate independently. This segmentation allows one mandrel to be in the winding position while the other is in the ejection position, effectively halving the non-productive time for mandrel travel and enabling parallel operation cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The winding mandrels are mounted on displacement bases that can be dynamically positioned between winding position and ejection position. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the system to optimize the mandrel travel distance and timing, reducing non-productive time while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If adjustment cylinders are used to displace winding mandrels axially, then the mandrels can be positioned, but the displacement speed is limited resulting in prolonged non-productive time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemandrel positioningVSAvoidnon-productive time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Adjustment cylinders are used to provide rapid axial displacement of the displacement bases and mounted winding mandrels. The pneumatic or hydraulic actuation enables high-speed positioning compared to mechanical alternatives, significantly reducing the non-productive time for mandrel ejection while maintaining precise positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If winding mandrels are mounted on a shared base, then the structure is simplified, but mechanical stability at high strip speeds is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structureVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shared base structure is segmented into separate displacement bases for each winding mandrel. Each displacement base independently supports and positions its associated winding mandrel, providing enhanced mechanical stability and vibration resistance at high strip speeds while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each displacement base is specifically designed and optimized for its local function of supporting and positioning a single winding mandrel. This localized optimization allows each base to be tailored for high-speed stability and precision, improving overall mechanical reliability without requiring complex global structural changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If telescopic couplings are used to connect drive units to winding mandrels, then adjustment is possible, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive connection adjustabilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive units are mounted directly on the displacement bases, creating a dynamic connection that moves with the displacement base. This eliminates the need for static telescopic couplings while maintaining full adjustability, as the drive unit position adjusts automatically with the displacement base movement, simplifying the overall coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design ensures operational reliability at high speeds, reduces non-productive times, and prevents jamming during ejection, while maintaining uniform winding quality and eliminating the need for complex telescopic couplings.

Implementation Method 1

The winding mandrels are supported by bearing devices in a non-positive, frictional manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

separate displacement bases (22, 23), allowing for high-speed axial displacement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement: Displacement

Data Source

PatentEP3036180B1Hem winder for strip-shaped material
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP3036180B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036180B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036180B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a hem winder (10) for strip-shaped material, comprising two winding mandrels (14, 15) which are rotatably mounted about the longitudinal axis thereof (12) and which are arranged coaxially to each other in the longitudinal axis thereof (12) and can be moved axially with respect to each other, and a winding segment (16) in which the respectively free front sides (18, 19) of the winding mandrel (14, 15) can be brought into an opposing position. At least one winding mandrel (14, 15) is mounted on a movement base (22, 23) which can be moved with respect to a base frame (20).