Reversible Winding Machine for Printed Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winding machines for large sheets of paper can only wind sheets in one direction due to the use of a single unidirectional electric motor, requiring manual orientation of printed posters to ensure consistent direction, which limits productivity and introduces potential damage from manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A winding machine with two sets of equi-rotating rollers and guide elements arranged mirror-wise, along with a dual motor system that allows for reversible roller rotation and automatic orientation using a scanner and control unit to ensure sheets can be wound in either clockwise or counterclockwise directions without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single unidirectional electric motor is used to drive the winding rollers, then the machine structure is simple, but the machine can only wind sheets in one direction, requiring manual orientation of printed posters which limits productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the motor system reversible - the electric motor can rotate the winding rollers in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the orientation of the printed substrate. This dynamic capability allows automatic adaptation to different sheet orientations without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the motor from unidirectional to bidirectional rotation. By controlling the motor to rotate in different directions based on sheet orientation, the system achieves automatic winding without manual orientation, thereby increasing productivity while managing complexity through controlled parameter variation
2Ease of operation
If the winding rollers rotate in a fixed direction, then the motor control is simple, but the printed posters must be manually oriented to ensure consistent winding direction, increasing handling time and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the guide element system into multiple configurable guide elements that can be positioned at different locations around the winding rollers. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate sheets in different orientations by selecting appropriate guide elements, enabling automatic handling without manual orientation while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements are designed with multi-functionality - they can guide sheets whether the printed side faces upward or downward, and accommodate both clockwise and counterclockwise winding directions. This universal design enables automatic sheet handling for various orientations, improving ease of operation while the modular nature keeps device complexity manageable
3Productivity
If manual orientation of posters is required, then the winding direction can be controlled, but the operator must manually handle each sheet which reduces productivity and increases risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the winding machine to automatically determine the correct winding direction based on the orientation of the printed substrate. The scanner detects whether the printed side faces upward or downward, and the control system automatically adjusts the roller rotation direction, allowing the machine to process sheets without manual orientation, thereby increasing productivity and eliminating manual handling damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the scanner that detects the orientation of the printed substrate. This feedback information is used by the control system to automatically adjust the winding direction, creating a closed-loop system that eliminates the need for manual orientation, thus improving productivity and preventing handling damage
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a winding machine which has a plurality of equi-rotating rolls, at least two guide elements arranged mirror-wise, between which the sheets to be rolled up pass, with arched distal portions arranged in a mirror-like manner, the two guide elements being connected to a support configured to position in a mutually exclusive manner only one guide element at a time in the rolling space defined between the winding rollers. Moreover, the winding machine is equipped with a motor unit controlled so as to rotate the winding rollers in a direction or in the opposite direction depending on which of the two guide elements has its respective distal portion facing the rolling space.