Sheet Laminating Machine With Feedback Alignment and Tension Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminating technologies face challenges in cutting sections from a material web with precision, leading to potential waste and machine disruption, while ensuring high precision and minimizing damage to sheets during the lamination process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a processing machine with a separating device, including clamping devices, web edge aligners, and tension control, allows for precise alignment and lamination of sheets, using roll changers for unwinding laminating material, and incorporating sensors for error detection and control to prevent waste and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cutting sections from a material web is performed without advanced control systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to potential waste and machine disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control through sensors that detect the position of sheets and cutting points, and adjust the cutting device accordingly. The control system receives information from sensors about sheet position and web tension, then automatically adjusts cutting parameters to maintain precision without requiring complex manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical cutting operations with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators. The cutting device is controlled through electronic signals based on sensor feedback, substituting complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a more manageable electronic control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If sheets are laminated without web tension control, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to misalignment and poor bond quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet alignment precisionVSAvoidweb tension control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses web tension control devices with sensors that continuously monitor the tension state of the material web during lamination. The control system adjusts web tension in real-time based on sensor feedback to maintain proper alignment and bond quality without requiring complex manual tensioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The web tension control system automatically adjusts and maintains optimal tension levels during the lamination process without requiring external intervention. The system self-regulates tension based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If roll changers are not used for unwinding laminating material, then the device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to slower material changes and machine disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial change speedVSAvoidroll changer complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements roll changers that allow pre-positioning and quick exchange of laminating material rolls. The system prepares for material changes in advance by maintaining ready rolls and using automated positioning mechanisms, enabling rapid roll changes without stopping the lamination process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The roll changer system provides dynamic adaptability for quick roll exchanges during operation. The mechanism allows the material supply system to dynamically switch between different rolls without disrupting the continuous lamination process, maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If sensors for error detection are not implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected errors and potential machine damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements sensors that continuously monitor the lamination process for errors such as misalignment, web breaks, or quality defects. The control system receives feedback from these sensors and automatically responds by adjusting process parameters or stopping the machine to prevent damage, maintaining high reliability without requiring complex manual monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3535123B1Laminating machine, and a method for laminating sheets of a material
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3535123B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3535123B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3535123B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a laminating machine (01), wherein the laminating machine (01) has at least one material source (100), configured as a sheet feeder (100), for sheets (03) of a material (02) to be laminated, and wherein the laminating machine (01) has at least one imbricating device (200; 206; 207; 208) for arranging on unlaminated sheets (03) in an imbricated manner with respect to one another, and wherein the laminating machine (01) has at least one laminating unit (310) for producing a laminated material web (02) from the sheets (03), wherein at least one thickness control device (354) is arranged along a transport path which is provided for the laminated material web (02) downstream of the at least one laminating unit (310), the control region of which thickness control device (354) intersects at least partially with the transport path which is provided for the laminated material web (02).