Segmented Embossing Roller Speed Adjustment for Cigarette Collar Blanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing packaging material blanks, such as collars for cigarette packs, require large space due to separate rollers and lack a compact solution with minimal components, making them inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method where a segmented embossing roller is driven by a motor to transmit conveying forces and adjust its speed during partial rotation phases to correct misalignments, allowing it to function as both an embossing and feed roller, eliminating the need for a separate feed roller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate feed roller is used to convey the material web during non-embossing phases, then the material web can be continuously fed, but the device requires more space and cannot be accommodated within a common housing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous material web feedingVSAvoiddevice space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the feed roller and embossing roller into a single integrated component. The feed roller is equipped with embossing means that can apply embossing patterns to the material web, eliminating the need for a separate embossing roller. This merging reduces the number of components and space requirements while maintaining continuous feeding capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feed roller is designed to perform multiple functions: it conveys the material web during non-embossing phases and applies embossing patterns during embossing phases. This multi-functionality is achieved by equipping the feed roller with embossing means that can be activated or deactivated as needed, allowing a single component to replace what would traditionally require separate rollers

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

2Manufacturing precision

If the embossing roller is segmented to allow free running phases, then misalignments can be corrected, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing position accuracyVSAvoidroller structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embossing roller is divided into multiple segments around its circumference, with some segments equipped with embossing means and others left free. This segmentation allows the roller to alternate between embossing phases and free running phases, enabling correction of misalignments between the material web and embossing pattern while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented embossing roller operates in periodic cycles, alternating between embossing phases where patterns are applied and free running phases where misalignments are corrected. This periodic action allows for precise positioning while maintaining simple mechanical structures, as the roller returns to a standard rotational speed after each adjustment phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

This approach enables a compact manufacturing process with fewer components, ensuring precise embossing and cutting while maintaining efficient material web conveyance, thereby improving the production efficiency and reducing space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one embossing roller (27a, 27b) takes on the function of a (driven) feed roller and conveys the material web (25) along its peripheral surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3027516B1Methods and device for producing blanks for collars of packages for cigarettes
Publication Date: 2018.05.30 FOCKE & CO (GMBH & CO KG)
  • EP3027516B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3027516B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP3027516B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to methods for producing blanks, in particular collars, from packaging material, preferably for packages of cigarettes. In said methods, a material web (25) is fed to at least one embossing roller (27a), which provides the material web (25) with embossings (20'-20''', 23) during at least one partial rotation phase and which introduces no embossings (20'-20''', 23) into the material web (25) during at least one other partial rotation phase. A subsequent severing-cut roller (38a) provides the material web (25) with severing cuts in order to form individual blanks (26). The invention is characterised in that the embossing roller (27a) transfers conveying forces to the material web (25) in the phases in which the embossing roller introduces the embossings (20'-20''', 23) into the material web (25), and in that the relative position between the embossing roller (27a) and the material web (25) is changed by varying the rotational speed of the embossing roller (27a) if necessary in order to compensate incorrect positioning of the embossings (20'-20''', 23), and/or in that the relative position between the severing-cut roller (38a) and the material web (25) is changed by varying the rotational speed of the embossing roller (27a) if necessary in order to compensate severing cuts that are not positionally correct.