Multi-Fold Interfolding Machine with Variable Blade Angular Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfolding machines are inflexible and require multiple machines to produce stacks of interfolded sheets with different lengths, leading to increased costs and maintenance needs due to the requirement of different modules for varying sheet lengths.
Innovation Solution
A modular interfolding machine design that includes cutting, transferring, and overlapping mechanisms for sheets of different lengths, allowing for quick and easy adjustments between configurations using a single machine by varying the speed and blade arrangement on the cutting and transferring rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single interfolding machine is used to produce sheets of different lengths, then the machine complexity increases, but the number of machines required decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting roller is designed with multiple sets of cutting blades arranged at different angular positions, allowing the effective cutting circumference to be dynamically changed. By selectively engaging different blade sets, the machine can produce sheets of different lengths without physical reconfiguration, thus achieving adaptability while maintaining structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
A single interfolding machine is designed to perform multiple functions by producing interfolded sheets of various lengths. The cutting mechanism incorporates multiple blade arrangements that enable the same machine to accommodate different product specifications, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated machines and reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interfolding machines are used for different sheet lengths, then the production flexibility increases, but the cost and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cutting blade sets that would traditionally require separate machines are merged into a single cutting roller assembly. This consolidation allows one machine to replace multiple machines, reducing manufacturing costs, simplifying maintenance schedules, and lowering operational expenses while maintaining the ability to produce different sheet lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The interfolding machine is designed as a universal device capable of producing interfolded sheets of different lengths through its multi-configuration cutting mechanism. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized machines, thereby reducing total manufacturing cost, maintenance burden, and facility requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting roller circumference is fixed, then the manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the sheet length adjustability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting roller incorporates multiple sets of cutting blades positioned at different angular locations around its circumference. By selectively activating different blade sets, the effective cutting circumference is dynamically adjusted to produce sheets of varying lengths. This dynamic configuration allows sheet length adjustability without changing the physical roller size or adding complex transmission mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
Interfolding machine of sheet material for making a stack of interfolded sheets (100) equipped with cutting and transferring means, comprising, for example, a cutting roller (2) that operates the division of the web (10) into sheets (11) of determined length. The cut sheets (11), having all the same length, are carried along the machine up to a transfer roller (3) that transfers them to an "overlap" roller (4). In particular the cutting roller (2) has peripherally a first series of cutting blades (21a-21d) arranged at a first angular distance equal to 90° and of a second plurality of cutting blades (21'a-21'c) arranged at a second angular distance equal to 120°. The length of sheets (11) is therefore achieved by the angular distance existing between the blades (21). In order to adjust the length of the sheets, or cut-off length, it is enough to select the blades on the cutting roller (2) located at an angular distance corresponding to the desired sheet length.