A roll feeder device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machines for producing abrasive discs require manual intervention for roll replacement, leading to machine downtime and operator supervision, which complicates the process and reduces automation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automatic roll feeder device with a support shaft, orientation unit, and pusher arms that automatically feed new rolls to the cutting assembly, eliminating the need for operator intervention by rotating and sliding the rolls to maintain continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual roll replacement is implemented, then the machine can be operated with simple structure, but machine downtime increases and operator supervision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic roll replacement where the rolls themselves participate in the feeding mechanism. The rolls are positioned on a rotating support shaft and automatically advance to the cutting position through the rotation of the shaft, eliminating the need for manual intervention and achieving self-service operation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple rolls are pre-positioned on the support shaft in advance. When one roll is being used, the next roll is already in position and ready to be automatically fed, eliminating waiting time and ensuring continuous operation without machine downtime
2Productivity
If automatic roll feeding is implemented, then machine downtime is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support shaft serves multiple functions: it holds multiple rolls, rotates to position them, and enables automatic feeding. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation unit and support shaft are combined into an integrated system where the support shaft's rotation simultaneously achieves roll positioning and feeding. This merging of functions simplifies the overall device structure compared to having separate orientation and feeding mechanisms
3Extent of automation
If operator supervision is eliminated, then automation efficiency increases, but roll replacement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves complete automation where the rolls automatically advance to the cutting position through the rotating support shaft without any operator intervention. The gripping element automatically grasps and positions each roll, eliminating the need for manual roll replacement while maintaining simple operational complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A roll feeding device, comprising: a support shaft (10), equipped with a longitudinal axis (Y) and provided to support one or more rolls (C), which comprises 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.