Roll feeder device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for producing abrasive discs require manual intervention for replacing empty rolls, leading to machine downtime and operator supervision, which hinders automation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic roll feeder device with an orientation unit, gripping element, and pusher arms that automatically feed new rolls to the cutting assembly, eliminating the need for operator intervention by rotating and sliding rolls to prevent twisting and ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual roll replacement is used, then the machine structure is simpler, but the machine stops for extended periods and requires operator supervision
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device is segmented into distinct functional modules: an orientation unit with a gripping plane for storing multiple rolls, a gripper mechanism for extracting rolls, and a pusher arm for positioning. This modular segmentation enables automated operation while keeping each component relatively simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation unit acts as an intermediary between the roll storage and the cutting assembly. It provides a gripping plane that temporarily holds multiple rolls in oriented positions, allowing the gripper to systematically extract and feed rolls to the cutting assembly without requiring complex real-time control or human intervention.
2Ease of operation
If rolls are fixed on the support shaft, then the structure is simpler, but the web suffers excessive twisting when rolls are replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft is designed to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and the rolls can slide along the shaft in the axial direction. This dynamic configuration allows the rolls to be repositioned and rotated during replacement, enabling the web to be fed without excessive twisting while maintaining simple operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation unit pre-orients multiple rolls on the gripping plane before they are fed to the cutting assembly. This preliminary orientation ensures that when rolls are automatically replaced, they are already positioned correctly to minimize web twisting, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If operator supervision is maintained, then roll replacement can be performed manually, but the machine requires extended停机 time and operator availability
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device is designed to perform roll replacement autonomously without operator intervention. The gripper automatically extracts rolls from the orientation unit, and the pusher arm positions them on the rotating support shaft. The system serves itself by maintaining a supply of pre-oriented rolls and automatically managing their sequential feeding to the cutting assembly, enabling continuous machine operation.
4Extent of automation
If multiple rolls are stored on the orientation unit, then automated feeding is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation unit serves multiple functions: it stores multiple rolls, orients them correctly, and positions them for automatic extraction by the gripper. This multi-functionality is achieved through a relatively simple gripping plane structure that combines storage and orientation capabilities, reducing overall device complexity while enabling automated feeding.
Data Source
AI summary
A roll feeding device, including: a support shaft (10), equipped with a longitudinal axis (Y) and provided to support one or more rolls (C), which includes a first end (11) and a second end (12); one or more pusher arms (20), movable along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y) in both directions, each of which is movable between an active position, in which it is arranged alongside a roll (C) and can come into contact with it during a movement parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y), and an inactive position.