Roll Support Apparatus with Detachable Carousel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roll unwinding systems have complex structures and large sizes, requiring multiple operators to transport and assemble rolls, making the process cumbersome and expensive, especially when dealing with multiple rolls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an unwinder with a first supporting structure and an accessory apparatus with a second supporting structure, allowing for easy transportation and assembly of rolls by rotating a carousel structure to position the roll at the unwinder, which can then be connected for active movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a complex unwinder structure with multiple operators is used, then roll assembly and replacement can be performed, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a passive carousel structure for roll storage and transport, and an active unwinder for processing. The carousel can be detached and replaced independently, allowing simple roll changes without complex maneuvers. This segmentation enables each component to have a dedicated function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive carousel acts as an intermediary device between roll storage and the active unwinder. It temporarily holds rolls and brings them to the unwinder position, simplifying the transfer process. The coupling means serve as intermediaries to connect or disconnect the carousel from the unwinder, enabling easy roll replacement without requiring complex coordination between multiple operators.
2Productivity
If multiple operators are required for roll transport and assembly, then rolls can be properly positioned, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The passive carousel is designed to be self-positioning through simple rotational movement, allowing a single operator to bring rolls to the unwinder position without requiring multiple operators for manual positioning. The coupling means enable the carousel to connect and disconnect automatically or with minimal manual intervention, further reducing the number of operators needed while maintaining assembly speed.
3Device complexity
If a passive carousel structure is used for roll transport, then the device structure remains simple, but the roll cannot be actively positioned or aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a purely passive carousel to a hybrid configuration where the carousel remains passive during transport but becomes dynamically connected to the active unwinder during operation. The coupling means enable this dynamic transition, allowing the passive carousel to work in conjunction with the active unwinder's movement means for precise roll positioning and alignment, thus enhancing adaptability without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is herein described a system (1) for supporting rolls (R) having an unwinding machine (10) with a first supporting structure (Sa) for a roll (R) of material configured to allow supporting and unwinding said roll (R) along an unwinding direction (D), and movement means configured for moving the first supporting structure (Sa) and/or the roll (R) supported by it. The system (1) also comprises an apparatus (100) for supporting and transporting at least one roll (R) and for assisting in loading the same into the unwinding machine (10), said apparatus (100) comprising a second supporting structure (Sb) having at least one housing element (110) for at least one corresponding roll (R), said second supporting structure (Sb) being configured for moving the roll (R) supported by it toward an operating position (P) at the first supporting structure (Sa) of the unwinding machine (10). The system (1) also comprises coupling means (150) between the unwinding machine (10) and the apparatus (100), wherein the apparatus (100) and the unwinding machine (10) are structurally independent of each other and are removably connectable to each other through the coupling means (150), said apparatus (100) being in this way adapted to switch from a free configuration, in which it is not connected to the unwinding machine (10), to a coupled configuration, in which the housing element (110) of the roll (R) is connected to the first supporting structure (Sa) of the unwinding machine (10) and is integral therewith, and wherein, in said coupled configuration, the movement means of the unwinding machine (10) are adapted to cause the movement of the roll (R) that is in the operating position (P).