Rotatable Log Discharge Control Device for Rewinding Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rewinding machines lack effective control mechanisms to slow down the discharge of logs without damaging them, leading to potential integrity issues during the transition from the winding process to subsequent processing steps.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rotatable body with a controlled electric motor, positioned above the discharge plane, that picks up logs and dissipates their kinetic energy by rotating in a direction opposite to the log flow, using a concave surface to temporarily house and stabilize the logs until they can roll freely on an extension of the plane, thereby controlling the speed of discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the log is released from the winding rollers to roll along the discharge plane, then the log can move to subsequent processing steps, but the log speed cannot be controlled effectively and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
A rotatable body acts as an intermediary device between the winding rollers and the discharge plane. This body receives the log from the winding rollers, controls its rotation speed, and then releases it onto the discharge plane at a controlled speed, preventing damage while enabling smooth transition to subsequent processing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable body is driven by an electric motor that can dynamically adjust its rotation speed. This dynamic control allows the system to match the log discharge speed to the requirements of subsequent processing steps, effectively solving the speed control problem while maintaining log integrity
2Speed
If a control device is added to slow down logs, then discharge speed control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable body serves multiple functions: it acts as a log receiver, a speed control mechanism, a temporary storage device, and a release mechanism. By combining these functions into a single device, the patent avoids the need for multiple separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving effective speed control
3Loss of energy
If the rotatable body rotates in the opposite direction to pick up logs, then the kinetic energy is dissipated effectively, but the energy consumption of the motor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opposite rotation direction of the rotatable body converts the potentially harmful kinetic energy of the incoming log into a beneficial controlled deceleration process. The log's kinetic energy is gradually dissipated through controlled friction and resistance during the picking-up process, transforming what could be a damaging force into a controlled energy transfer that stabilizes the log for subsequent handling
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively controls the speed of log discharge, preserves the integrity of the logs, and maintains a simple, cost-effective, and reliable operation even after prolonged use, ensuring the logs are not damaged during the transition from the rewinding machine.
Implementation Method 1
picks up logs and dissipates their kinetic energy by rotating in a direction opposite to the log flow
Data Source
AI summary
Device for controlling the discharge of Logs outgoing from a rewinding machine, comprising a body (6) placed downstream of a surface (5) along which the logs (3) move in a output direction (F), wherein said body (6) rotates with a predetermined angular speed about an axis (a) parallel to the logs (3) and perpendicular to said output direction (F) followed by the Logs (3). The body (6) has at least one pocket (P) adapted to receive and temporarily housing a log (3) that enters in the same pocket (P) while moving along the said output direction (F). The body (6) rotates about said axis (a) in a direction (G) opposite to the output direction.