Mandrel Position Control for Web Winding Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional turret winders face challenges in precisely positioning the mandrel for efficient web transfer, leading to adhesive waste and potential machine shut-downs, especially when using cores or vacuum systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that control the rotational mandrel position using a reference input and position sensor to ensure precise adhesion of the web at a specific circumferential location on the mandrel, allowing for controlled rotational speed adjustments via torque applied at the mandrel ends, facilitating efficient web transfer within ±15 degrees of the target location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glue is applied in rings to the entire circumference of the mandrel, then the web can be transferred, but adhesive is wasted and spaces between glue rings cause missed transfers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer reliabilityVSAvoidadhesive waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies glue only at a specific circumferential location on the mandrel rather than around the entire circumference. This localized application ensures reliable web transfer at the transfer point while eliminating adhesive waste in areas where the web does not contact the mandrel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the mandrel surface into a specific transfer location and non-transfer areas. By concentrating the glue application at the precise circumferential position where web transfer occurs, the system separates the functional requirement (transfer reliability) from the unnecessary adhesive application elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If vacuum holes are spread out on the mandrel surface, then coverage is increased, but the overall vacuum level decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum coverage areaVSAvoidvacuum level
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent concentrates vacuum holes at a specific circumferential location rather than distributing them uniformly across the mandrel surface. This localized arrangement maintains strong vacuum suction at the transfer point while using less total vacuum effort, thereby preserving overall vacuum level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If the mandrel rotates at high speed, then production output increases, but precise positioning for web transfer becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction outputVSAvoidmandrel positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a position sensor to detect a reference mark on the mandrel before the web transfer occurs. This preliminary positioning allows the control system to calculate the exact moment to initiate web transfer, ensuring precision even when the mandrel rotates at high speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a position sensor to continuously monitor the mandrel's rotational position and provides feedback to the control system. This real-time feedback enables precise timing of web transfer relative to the mandrel's circumferential position, maintaining accuracy at high rotational speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 approach reduces adhesive waste, increases production output, and ensures secure attachment of the web to the mandrel, minimizing machine downtime and optimizing the use of adhesive, whether using cores or coreless methods.

Implementation Method 1

A position sensor is used to determine the position of the reference input

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Implementation Method 2

The position drive control sets the rotational speed of the mandrel to allow transfer of the leading edge of the moving web near the specific circumferential location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Implementation Method 3

This process enables adhesion of the moving web to the mandrel at a predetermined and specific location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2791038B1Method and apparatus for winding webbed material with mandrel position control
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 KIMBERLY CLARK WORLDWIDE INC
  • EP2791038B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2791038B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method and apparatus for winding a moving web upon a mandrel is disclosed. A moving web with a leading edge is conveyed towards a mandrel. The mandrel is adapted to allow the moving web to adhere to the mandrel at a specific circumferential location on the mandrel. To enable control of the location of the mandrel, the mandrel further includes a reference input to identify the specific circumferential location. A position sensor is used to determine the position of the reference input. The position of the specific circumferential location of the mandrel is controlled with a position drive control that controls the rotational speed of the mandrel. The position drive control sets the rotational speed of the mandrel to allow transfer of the leading edge of the moving web near the specific circumferential location.