Packaging Reel Magazine with Automated Splicing for Continuous Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magazine apparatuses for packaging machines require significant operator intervention for reel changes, disrupting continuous production and increasing the need for manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A magazine apparatus with autonomous positioning and splicing capabilities, utilizing an automated guided vehicle to deliver new reels and splicing units to ensure seamless reel replacement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual reel replacement is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to production interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by positioning a new reel in the auxiliary position and pre-splicing it to the current reel while the current reel is still in use. This allows the transition to occur without stopping production, as the splicing is prepared in advance during non-critical time periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The magazine apparatus introduces an intermediary auxiliary position between the reel in use and complete replacement. This intermediary state allows the new reel to be positioned and spliced without disrupting the continuous operation of the current reel, serving as a buffer that enables seamless transition.
2Ease of operation
If automated reel positioning is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically positioning the new reel in the auxiliary position and performing the splicing operation without operator intervention. The magazine apparatus monitors and controls the entire reel replacement process, eliminating the need for manual positioning and splicing operations.
3Loss of time
If reel splicing is automated, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing operation is performed as a preliminary action while the current reel is still in use. The new reel is spliced to the current reel in the auxiliary position before the current reel is exhausted, allowing the transition to occur without stopping production and minimizing time loss.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
There is described a magazine apparatus (10) for a packaging machine (1). The magazine apparatus (10) comprises a support device (30) configured to rotatably carry a reel (11) of a web of packaging material (3), the reel (11) having a core (22) and the web of packaging material (3) being wound about the core (22) and a discharging system (41) having a housing space (63) configured to receive at least the core (22) of the used and/or exhausted reel (11) when being released from the support device (30).