Winding Machine Articulated Arm Rod Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing winding machines for web-like materials face challenges in compactness and efficiency due to the complexity of rod handling and positioning mechanisms, which affect the continuity of reel diameter growth and precision in rod placement.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a pair of arms, each composed of two hinged elements with independent motor control, allows for precise and compact removal and positioning of winding rods, enabling improved control of nip pressure and rod movement, utilizing grippers and annular grooves for efficient rod handling and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple distinct groups of arms are used to pick up and move rods from storage to the winding roller, then the rod handling function is achieved, but the machine dimensions become large and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple arm functions into a single articulated arm assembly. The arm includes a first element for picking up rods from storage and a second element for positioning them at the winding roller, eliminating the need for multiple distinct arm groups. This merging reduces the machine's footprint while maintaining full rod handling capability throughout the winding cycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If distinct arms are used for picking up rods and moving them around the winding roller, then the rod positioning function is achieved, but the mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm is divided into segmented elements (first element and second element) connected by hinges. Each element has a specific function: the first element picks up rods from storage, and the second element positions them at the winding roller. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each segment's motion, achieving precise rod positioning while keeping the overall mechanism manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm elements are designed to rotate around hinge axes parallel to the winding roller's rotation axis, creating a dynamic system that adapts its configuration during operation. This dynamic articulation allows the arm to reach different positions (storage area to winding roller) while maintaining control precision, reducing the need for overly complex static positioning mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact arm mechanism is used for rod handling, then the machine space is reduced, but the continuity of reel diameter growth control may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated arm mechanism is designed to maintain continuous rod support and positioning throughout the winding cycle. The hinged connection between arm elements allows smooth, continuous motion from the storage area to the winding roller without interrupting the reel's diameter growth. This continuous action ensures reliable control of the winding process while keeping the mechanism compact.
Data Source
Figure 1~4B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Winding machine for forming reels of web-like material, comprising a winding roller (1) on which the web-like material intended to be wound passes, wherein the winding roller (1) cooperates with a winding rod (2) on which the web-like material winds up to form a reel (B), wherein the winding roller (1) is positioned in a structure (3) provided with sides (30) on which two corresponding linear guides (31) are formed parallel to each other and oriented according to a predetermined direction (L) which defines a direction of advancement of the winding rod (2) while the respective reel (B) is forming on the rod itself, wherein the winding roller (1) is oriented transversely to said sides, wherein the machine (M) is served by a storage (32) in which several winding rods (2) can be stored and by a mechanism of removal of the rods (2) from the storage (32), and wherein said mechanism of removal of the rods comprises a pair of arms (45) each of which is arranged on a corresponding side of the machine. Each of said arms (45) consists of two elements (4, 5) hinged to each other with a hinge axis (A45) parallel to the rotation axis (1A) of the winding roller (1), an element (5) being hinged on one side of the machine with a hinge axis parallel to the axis (1A) of the winding roller (1), the other element (4) being provided with gripping means (42) adapted to engage a corresponding end (20) of a rod (2) on the storage (32), and to move it towards the winding roller (1) and along a pre-determined path (T) with a section parallel to the outer surface of the winding roller (1).