Winding Machine Core Exchange Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core exchange methods in winding machines cause mechanical wear of grippers, vibrations, and irregularities in the paper layer due to mechanical interference and require vacuum suction, leading to creases and non-uniform winding.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that eliminates mechanical interference by accelerating the winding assembly to break paper continuity without decelerating the upstream layer, using a core pusher with controlled speed and gluing to facilitate smooth core exchange, and suction means to manage paper flow, ensuring uniform winding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If insertion grippers are used to grip the layer mechanically at the winding assembly, then core exchange can be performed, but the grippers wear out due to mechanical contact and cause vibrations and pulsating loads on the supporting bearings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore exchange operationVSAvoidgripper durability and bearing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the insertion grippers from the system entirely. Instead of using grippers to mechanically grip and hold the core, the patent uses a core pusher that pushes the core through the winding assembly from the upstream side, eliminating the need for grippers and their associated mechanical interference, wear, and vibration problems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a core pusher as an intermediary mechanism between the core supply and the winding assembly. This pusher device facilitates core insertion by pushing the core through the winding assembly rather than using grippers to grip and hold it, thereby mediating the core exchange process without the harmful mechanical contact of grippers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If grippers are set in interference with a pad instead of with the roller, then mechanical contact is reduced, but vacuum suction device is required to withhold the core on the grippers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical wear and vibrationsVSAvoidvacuum suction device requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the gripper system entirely, including the need for vacuum suction devices to hold the core. Instead, a core pusher mechanism is used to push the core through the winding assembly, eliminating both the mechanical interference problems and the additional vacuum suction equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The core pusher mechanism is designed to push the core through the winding assembly using the existing mechanical drive system of the winding machine, rather than requiring additional vacuum suction or complex holding mechanisms. The core is pushed forward by the pusher itself using the machine's existing power source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the winding assembly is accelerated to break paper continuity during core exchange, then core exchange can be performed without mechanical interference, but paper continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore exchange operationVSAvoidpaper layer continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs the core exchange operation during a preliminary acceleration phase of the winding assembly before the normal winding process resumes. The core is pushed through the winding assembly while the winding assembly is temporarily accelerated, and then the normal winding speed is restored, ensuring that paper continuity is maintained despite the temporary speed change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution reduces mechanical wear, avoids creases, and achieves uniform winding by accelerating the winding assembly during core exchange, maintaining paper continuity and quality.

Implementation Method 1

suction means to manage paper flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2437993B1Apparatus and method for exchange of cores in a winding machine
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 UNITED CONVERTING SRL
  • EP2437993B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2437993B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2437993B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for exchange of cores in a machine for winding a continuous layer of paper (1 ) drawn by a drawing assembly (2) and wound around a succession of cores (3) by a winding assembly (4), comprising a step of interruption of the continuity of the layer (1 ), via a difference of speed of the layer.