Supply Roll Functional Marking for Automated Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual alignment and replacement of supply rolls in packaging processes are cumbersome and labor-intensive, especially when connecting shrink films from two rolls, due to the uncertainty of the free end region's position, which hinders automated implementation.
Innovation Solution
A supply roll with a functional marking on its external free end region, such as an adhesive marking, that allows for visual recognition of the end region's position, enabling automated alignment and connection to the adjacent roll, and an RFID transponder for storing information about the roll's windings and material type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and replacement of supply rolls is performed, then the free end region can be positioned for connection, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-marking the free end region of the strip material with a functional marking (such as a colored dot, stripe, or adhesive marker) before the roll is installed. This allows the automated system to quickly locate and align the free end without manual intervention, thereby reducing both labor intensity and alignment time while maintaining operational ease.
2Extent of automation
If the free end region position is unknown, then manual rotation and orientation is required, but this increases personnel effort and complicates automated implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes by using a functional marking with distinct visual characteristics (such as a colored dot, stripe, or pattern) on the free end region of the strip material. This visual marker enables automated optical detection systems to easily identify and locate the free end position without complex mechanical or sensor-based searching mechanisms, thereby increasing automation while keeping the alignment system relatively simple.
3Reliability
If manual alignment is performed to ensure proper positioning, then the free end can be connected to the adjacent roll, but the process requires significant personnel involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual alignment process with an automated optical detection and positioning system. The functional marking on the free end region is detected by optical sensors or cameras, which automatically guide the alignment and connection process. This substitution maintains high positioning accuracy while eliminating the need for manual alignment operations, thereby improving reliability without requiring significant personnel involvement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a supply roll (5). The supply roll (5) comprises a roll core (6), flat and/or strip material (8) which is supported by the roll core (6) and wound in a plurality of layers, and at least one function marking (2). The at least one function marking (2) is formed on an external free end region (7) of the flat and/or strip material (8) in a defined relative position such that information about the relative position of the free end region (7) can be optically detected by means of the at least one function marking (2).