Web Reel Change Device with Speed Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for unwinding material webs in processing machines often disrupt operations during roll changes, leading to inefficiencies and potential material thickness issues due to overlapping webs, which can cause disruptions and require costly buffer systems.

Innovation Solution

A device and method that synchronizes the transport speed of the trailing end and new material web, connects them using a connecting element like adhesive tape, and maintains continuous operation by avoiding overlap, utilizing a transport device with integrated separating and holding mechanisms to ensure seamless integration without buffers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the material web is transported at high speed during roll change, then productivity is improved, but the risk of overlap and material thickness issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll change efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial web alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device is pre-positioned in the guide area before the roll change begins. The control device pre-synchronizes the transport speed with the reel speed and pre-positions the transport device to receive the trailing end of the material web immediately when it becomes available, eliminating delays and preventing overlap during high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors the position of the trailing end and beginning of material web, and dynamically adjusts the transport device position and speed in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures precise alignment even at high transport speeds, preventing overlap while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If a buffer system is used to enable roll change at standstill, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial web connection accuracyVSAvoidbuffer system requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer system is completely removed from the unwinding device. Instead, the transport device is integrated directly into the guide area where material webs are connected. This extraction eliminates the need for complex buffer mechanisms while maintaining the ability to connect material webs accurately during continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device is merged with the guide area structure, combining the functions of material web guidance, positioning, and connection in a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate buffer systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining connection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the transport device is integrated into the guide area, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle high-speed connections is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuffer-free designVSAvoidtransport speed during connection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The transport device is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to move along the guide area to precisely intercept the trailing end of the material web at high speed. The transport speed and position are dynamically adjusted by the control device to match the reel speed and material web tension, enabling high-speed connections without complex buffer systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transport device operates continuously during the roll change process, maintaining material web transport without interruption. The integrated design in the guide area allows the transport device to seamlessly receive the trailing end, connect it to the new reel, and continue transport without stopping or requiring buffer intervention, maintaining high speed throughout the connection process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Manufacturing precision

If overlapping material webs are prevented by precise positioning, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb connection accuracyVSAvoidroll change simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically performs all positioning and synchronization operations without manual intervention. The transport device self-adjusts its position and speed to precisely intercept and connect the material web trailing end to the new reel, eliminating the need for operators to manually coordinate complex positioning tasks while maintaining high connection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and trouble-free roll changes with continuous material supply, minimizing material thickness issues and avoiding the need for expensive buffer systems, ensuring consistent web tension and operation stability.

Implementation Method 1

both material webs are connected to one another with a connecting element, for example an adhesive tape can be used as the connecting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3405421B2Device and method for changing a reel and for connecting a new material web to the end of an old material web
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP3405421B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3405421B2 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3405421B2 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for changing a reel and for connecting a new material web to the end of an old material web, with a first reel (101) from which the first material web thereof which is wound thereon can be unwound, a transport device (103), particularly a transport roller, by means of which the first material web can be guided in a guiding region at a transport speed, a second reel (121) with which the new material web can be prepared, a drive device for rotatably driving the second reel, a separating device (142) for cutting through the first material web, by means of which the material web can be cut through in the guiding region or upstream of the guiding region in order to produce a trailing end, and a control and/or regulating device for the mutual adjustment of the trailing end and the beginning (125) of the second material web, such that the trailing end and the beginning of the web are at a distance of more than 0 mm from each other and particularly do not overlap. The trailing end and the beginning of the new material web can be connected to each other in the guiding region of the transport device by means of a connection element, and the transport speed of the trailing end and the beginning of the web corresponds to more than 0 metre per minute in the guiding region.