Spool Loading Mandrel with Radial Gripping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spools used in manufacturing absorbent articles often become misaligned due to handling, leading to spirally displaced material, which can result in defective products and manufacturing downtime.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a mandrel with a tubular side wall and a gripping member that telescopically receives a wedge member to securely engage and disengage the spool core, preventing misalignment during handling and loading onto an unwind device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually handle spools frequently, then the spools can be loaded and replaced on the manufacturing line, but the spools become misaligned and spirally displaced
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus is pre-configured with a mandrel and gripping members that automatically engage the spool core when the spool is placed on the apparatus. This preliminary setup ensures proper alignment before the spool is mounted on the unwind mandrel, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during frequent handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading apparatus serves as an intermediary device between spool storage and the unwind mandrel. It provides a controlled environment for spool loading with alignment features that guide the spool into the correct position, preventing misalignment that would otherwise occur during direct manual handling.
2Productivity
If spools are frequently loaded and unloaded, then material supply to the manufacturing line is maintained, but manufacturing disruptions occur due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs preliminary alignment and securing of the spool before it is transferred to the unwind mandrel. This advance preparation ensures that each loading operation maintains precision, allowing frequent spool changes without compromising manufacturing reliability or causing disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping members automatically engage and secure the spool core when the spool is placed on the loading apparatus, without requiring manual intervention for alignment or securing. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent, precise loading that maintains manufacturing reliability even with frequent spool changes.
3Volume of moving object
If the core diameter is small compared to the wound material diameter, then the spool structure is compact, but the spool becomes prone to misalignment during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The loading apparatus acts as an intermediary that compensates for the inherent instability of compact spools with small cores. The apparatus provides external support and alignment features that stabilize the spool during loading operations, allowing the spool to maintain its compact design while preventing misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual mechanical handling of the spool with an automated gripping mechanism that uses controlled mechanical forces to secure and align the spool. This substitution eliminates the instability caused by manual handling of compact spools while maintaining their space-efficient design.
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
The apparatus effectively reduces the likelihood of spool misalignment, ensuring consistent material supply and minimizing disruptions in the manufacturing process by securely holding the spool in place during transport and loading.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge member is received within the mandrel and is adapted to move longitudinally along the inner circumferential surface of the tubular side wall. As the wedge member moves longitudinally in a first direction, the first surface of the gripping member moves radially outward to press against the core.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An apparatus and method for loading a spool, including a core and a web of material, on a loading apparatus and unwinding the web material from the core of the spool. The loading apparatus may include a mandrel adapted to be received by the core. The mandrel may include a tubular side wall having an outer circumferential surface, an inner circumferential surface, and an aperture. A gripping member may be telescopically received within the aperture. The gripping member may be configured to move radially outward to press against the core. Likewise, the gripping member may be configured to move radially inward to release the core. The loading apparatus may be configured to associate with an unwind apparatus. The unwind apparatus allows the loading apparatus to rotate about a central longitudinal axis. As the unwind apparatus rotates, the web of material may be unwound from the core of the spool.