Winder Mechanical Interface for Label Printer Maintenance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing label printers for winders require frequent maintenance, which is cumbersome and disrupts the production process, especially when integrated as desktop printers without a mechanical interface.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical interface, such as a telescopic drawer, is introduced between the transfer station and the label printer, allowing for easy maintenance and automated label application, including options for barcode and RFID printing, with integrated database connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a desktop label printer is integrated into the winder without a mechanical interface, then the printing function is available, but maintenance becomes cumbersome and disrupts production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of maintenanceVSAvoidproduction continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The label printer is separated from the main winder structure through a mechanical interface, allowing it to be accessed, maintained, and replaced independently without disrupting the winding operation. This segmentation enables maintenance personnel to service the printer while production continues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mechanical interface acts as an intermediary between the winder and the label printer, providing physical and functional separation. This interface allows the printer to be easily detached and accessed for maintenance while maintaining its integration for printing functionality during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the label printer is frequently accessed for maintenance, then maintenance tasks can be performed, but production process is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidproduction interruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical interface provides dynamic accessibility to the label printer, allowing it to be easily accessed when maintenance is needed while remaining integrated during operation. This dynamic design enables quick maintenance access without requiring complete disassembly or production shutdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical interface is designed in advance to facilitate easy access and maintenance of the label printer. By preparing the interface structure beforehand with appropriate access points and mounting mechanisms, maintenance personnel can quickly service the printer without ad-hoc disassembly, minimizing production disruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If the label printer is integrated into the winder system, then automated labeling is achieved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated label applicationVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical interface is designed to be universal, accommodating different label printer models and types while maintaining the same integration approach. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve automated labeling without requiring custom complex integration for each printer type, reducing overall system complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4284649B1Winder for winding a material web
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 WINDMOELLER & HOELSCHER GMBH
  • EP4284649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4284649B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4284649B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a winder for winding a material web, comprising a feed station for conveying the material web into the winder, a winding station for producing a finished roll from the material web conveyed by the feed station, a transfer station in which the finished roll can be removed from the winder for further processing, and a control unit for controlling the feed station, the winding station, and the transfer station, wherein the control unit has an electric interface for a label printer. In order to simplify the process of carrying out maintenance work which is required for the label printer, the transfer station has a mechanical interface for the label printer.