Sheet Feeding System Roll End Conveyance Guide

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet-feeding systems face inefficiencies due to jamming issues when trying to convey the end portion of a sheet from a standby roll to a joining part, leading to reduced operation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A sheet-feeding system with a roll holding part, a joining part, a remaining sheet amount detection unit, an end portion holding device with suction and sandwiching mechanisms, and a controller that controls the holding unit to securely hold and convey the sheet end portion from one roll to another, ensuring smooth transfer without jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suction roller is used to take out the end portion of the sheet from the standby side roll, then the sheet can be held by suction, but the end portion cannot smoothly enter the gap between the suction roller and the standby side original sheet roll causing jamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet holding reliabilityVSAvoidsheet conveyance smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the suction roller and the standby side original sheet roll. The guide member has a guide surface that directs the end portion of the sheet to smoothly enter the gap between the suction roller and the standby side original sheet roll, preventing jamming while maintaining the suction holding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member extends in the radial direction of the standby side original sheet roll, creating a new spatial dimension for sheet guidance. This radial extension allows the guide surface to effectively direct the sheet end portion into the gap from a different geometric perspective, solving the entry problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the suction roller and standby side original sheet roll are rotated in opposite directions while in contact, then the end portion can be sucked and held, but the end portion cannot properly enter the gap causing the suction roller to fail to hold the sheet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet suction effectivenessVSAvoidsheet preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is positioned and configured in advance to pre-direct the end portion of the sheet toward the gap between the suction roller and the standby side original sheet roll. This preliminary guidance ensures that when the rollers rotate in opposite directions, the sheet end portion is already properly positioned to enter the gap smoothly, preventing failure to hold and reducing preparation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If an additionally provided conveyance apparatus is used to convey the end portion to the joining part, then the sheet can be transferred, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet transfer capabilityVSAvoidconveyance system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide member is integrated into the existing roller structure and serves multiple functions: it guides the sheet end portion into the gap, maintains proper sheet alignment during suction, and facilitates smooth transfer to the joining part. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conveyance apparatus, maintaining productivity while reducing system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member is merged with the existing roller assembly structure, combining the guidance function with the suction and rotation mechanisms. This integration consolidates multiple functions into a unified structure, improving sheet transfer capability without adding separate conveyance apparatus and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances operation efficiency by ensuring reliable and uninterrupted sheet feeding by preventing jamming and ensuring proper conveyance of the sheet end portion to the joining part, thereby maintaining continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

a suction mechanism capable of making the holding surface of at least one holding pad out of the pair of holding pads suck the joining end portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3524554B1Sheet-feeding system and sheet-feeding method
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 ZUIKO CORP
  • EP3524554B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3524554B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3524554B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

When a remaining amount of a sheet (12) on one original sheet roll (10) is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining amount, a pair of holding pads (410) is brought into a first posture (A1) where holding surfaces (412a) are opened, and the holding surface (412a) of one holding pad (410) is pressed to a joining end portion (13) from the outside of the original sheet roll (10) in a radial direction of the other original sheet roll (10). Further, the holding pad (410) is moved such that the joining end portion (13) is separated toward the outside of the original sheet roll (10) in the radial direction. Further, the posture of the pair of holding pads (410) is changed into a second posture (A2) where the holding surfaces (412a) approach each other, and the joining end portion (13) is conveyed to a joining part (30) in a state where the joining end portion (13) is sandwiched between the holding surfaces (412a) of the pair of holding pads (410).