Reel Spool Handling Assembly With Separate Hoisting and Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reel-up - unwinder systems for fiber web production lines face complexity in hoist and reel spool cart configurations, leading to restricted operational functionality and increased space requirements, with separate machines needed for slitting and winding, and inefficient reel spool handling.

Innovation Solution

A reel-up - unwinder system with parallel horizontal and vertical support rails, separate hoisting and lowering devices, and a reel spool transfer device that allows independent operation, enabling direct spool handling and integrated reject removal, reducing space and operational complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a hoist is integrated into the reel spool cart, then space requirements are reduced, but operational functionality becomes restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementsVSAvoidoperational functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: a reel spool cart for transporting reel spools and separate hoisting devices positioned at elevated locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reel spool cart acts as an intermediary between the reel spool storage and the reel-up/unwinder stations. It transports reel spools horizontally along support rails while vertical hoisting operations are performed by separate hoisting devices, mediating between horizontal and vertical movement requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate machines are used for slitting and winding, then operational functionality is maintained, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational functionalityVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The slitting and winding functions are merged into a single integrated slitter-winder machine. The reel spool cart system supports this integration by providing efficient reel spool handling that accommodates the combined functionality, reducing the number of separate machines required while maintaining operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the reel spool cart is configured with an integrated hoist, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration complexityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hoisting function is separated from the reel spool cart into independent hoisting devices. This segmentation simplifies the cart's configuration while maintaining operational flexibility, as the cart focuses solely on horizontal transport and the hoisting devices handle vertical movements independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic positioning where the reel spool cart can be moved horizontally along support rails to different locations, and hoisting devices can be positioned at elevated locations to perform vertical operations. This dynamic arrangement enhances ease of operation without increasing configuration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4592229B1Assembly for handling reel spools and a reel-up - unwinder system for a fiber web production line
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 VALMET TECH OY
  • EP4592229B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP4592229B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1F
  • EP4592229B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly for handling reel spools (55), which assembly (50) comprises parallel horizontal support rails (12) extending at a distance from each other and parallel vertical support elements (13; 15), in which assembly each of the horizontal support rails (12) extend between two vertical elements (13, 15) such, that one vertical support element (13; 15) is arranged at each end of the support rail (12), which assembly further comprises hoisting devices (30), reel spool transfer device (40) and lowering devices (70). The reel spool transfer device (40) is arranged on the support rails (12) movably between the ends of the support rails (12) and that the vertical support elements (13, 15) are located such, that their position is at area of the respective end of the reel spool (55). The invention also relates to a reel-up - unwinder system for a fiber web production line.