Log End Flap Gluing Device with Suction Roller Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for gluing the end flap of paper logs face issues with uniform glue dispensing and application, leading to excessive glue consumption and inefficient operation, particularly due to complex construction and unwinding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A gluing device comprising an independently motor-driven unwinding roller, a feed belt, an air nozzle, a photoelectric sensor, a suction roller, and a glue application wire, which ensures precise positioning and application of glue by rotating the log to align the end flap with the suction roller and glue wire, allowing controlled glue transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex apparatuses are used to spread glue, then the gluing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and uniform glue dispensing is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gluing function from complex multi-component apparatuses and concentrates it into a single wire element that applies glue directly to the end flap. This simple wire-based system eliminates the need for complex spreading mechanisms while achieving uniform glue application through the wire's direct contact and controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical glue spreading mechanisms with a simpler system where a wire element, guided by the log's rotation and positioning, applies glue directly. The mechanical action is reduced to the wire's contact with the paper and the log's rotation, eliminating the need for complex spreading apparatuses.
2Reliability
If excessive glue is dispensed to ensure bonding, then the gluing reliability is improved, but the loss of substance (glue) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies glue locally and precisely only where needed on the end flap surface, rather than dispensing excessive glue broadly. The wire element positions glue at specific locations on the end flap, ensuring adequate bonding while minimizing overall glue consumption through targeted application.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating log itself serves to position and control the application of glue, with the end flap unwinding and rotating to present the correct surface area to the wire element. This self-positioning mechanism ensures consistent glue application without requiring external control systems that would increase complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the end flap is unwound significantly before gluing, then the gluing access is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the gluing operation while the end flap is only partially unwound, before complete unwinding occurs. This preliminary gluing action during the unwinding process eliminates the need for full unwinding to achieve gluing access, thereby reducing the time loss associated with complete unwinding while maintaining adequate gluing access.
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
Enables uniform and precise glue application, reducing waste and simplifying the gluing process, ensuring efficient and productive operation for various log diameters with minimal complexity in structure and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a suction roller (24), which is also independently motor-driven and is provided throughout its outer lateral surface with suction holes... connected to a vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (20), such as a photoelectric cell
Data Source
AI summary
An improved device for gluing the end flap of a log and a gluing method which can be implemented in a machine for producing logs, in which the logs (14), which come from a re-reeling machine, are fed to a gluing device (11) comprising in succession a bottom unwinding roller (16) and a top feed belt (17), and, immediately downstream of the unwinding roller (16), at least one stretch of inclined surface (21), of a pre-set length, followed by a vacuum-suction roller (24), set on top of which is a top roller (25), and then by a glue dispenser (27), there being provided on top of the unwinding roller (16) a blower element (19) for blowing an end flap (29) of the log (14) and, underneath, a photo-electric cell (20) for detecting the end flap (29), in which the log fed to the unwinding roller (16) is set with a position of the free end staggered by an angle (α), which is a function of the diameter of the log and of the pre-set length of the stretch of inclined surface (21), in such a way that, when the log thus positioned rolls on the inclined surface, it sets itself on the suction roller (24), with the free portion of the end flap (29) set exactly corresponding to the area of contact with the suction roller (24).