Rotating Plate Safety Mechanism for Roll Material Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing labeling machines pose a risk of injury to operators during the labeling process due to the design of the rotating plate, which allows access between the support surface and the plate level, and complicate the changing of roll material as it lies flat on a smooth surface, making it difficult for operators to reach under the roll.

Innovation Solution

A safety device with an all-round protection mechanism and movable, elastically prestressed inserts or pneumatic fixation is integrated into the labeling machine's plate to prevent access to the rotating plate during operation and facilitate easy roll material changes by maintaining a defined distance or contact surface, ensuring operator safety and ease of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotating plate with a smooth surface is used to hold roll material, then the roll material lies flat on the plate, but it becomes difficult for operators to reach under the roll to change it

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of roll material changeVSAvoidPlate structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate surface is segmented into multiple sections with different surface characteristics. Some sections have increased friction or textured surfaces to prevent the roll from sliding, while other sections maintain smooth surfaces to allow operator access underneath the roll for easy replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different local areas of the plate have different surface properties tailored to specific functions. The central area has higher friction to hold the roll securely during operation, while the peripheral areas have lower friction or gaps to facilitate roll removal and replacement by operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the plate allows access between the support surface and plate level for easy roll changing, then operators can reach under the roll, but it creates a risk of injury during the labeling process

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of roll material changeVSAvoidRisk of injury to operator
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plate incorporates movable safety barriers or shields that can be positioned in different states. During operation, these barriers are in a closed position to prevent operator access to the rotating plate and prevent injuries. During roll changes, the barriers can be opened or repositioned to allow safe access underneath the roll.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plate design includes self-latching mechanisms or automatic safety features that engage when the plate is in operation, automatically preventing access. When the plate is stopped for roll changes, these safety features automatically disengage or open to allow operator access, eliminating the need for manual safety intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If star washers are used to create distance between the plate and roll to facilitate changes, then operators can reach under the roll, but it increases device complexity and requires additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of roll material changeVSAvoidAdditional components required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plate integrates the spacing and support functions directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate star washers. The plate includes built-in raised edges, recessed areas, or integrated support features that create the necessary distance between the plate surface and the roll, while also providing stable support during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a smooth support surface for the roll during operation, creates adequate spacing for operator access during changes, and incorporates safety features all in a single integrated component, replacing the need for multiple separate parts like star washers, safety barriers, and support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2368803B1Device for holding roll material
Publication Date: 2015.07.29 KRONES AG
  • EP2368803B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2368803B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2368803B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A labeling machine (1) for processing roll material (6) with at least one rotatably mounted plate (4) is disclosed. The invention further relates to a device (2) for receiving roll material (6). For this purpose, the roll material (6) rests with one end face on a plate (4).