PROGRAMMABLE REEL FLANGE SENSOR

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method for a new and improved coiling system that provides sensors to a computer control on the traverse while winding wherein the sensors mounted on the traversing mechanism to detect flanges of different width or reel and spools as the flanges are approached during winding that provides an automatically turnaround point without human intervention and is computer controlled with communication from the sensor.

Claims

1. A coiling system for coiling elongated materials on a removable reel comprising: said removable reel having a first flange, a second flange, a barrel between said first flange and said second flange; a traverse feed system having a first end with a first laser sensor for detecting said first flange, a second end with a second laser sensor for detecting said second flange; wherein said traverse feed system is adapted for coiling elongated material on said barrel between said first flange and said second flange; wherein said traverse feed system has a computer control in communication with said first laser sensor and adapted to reverse said traverse feed system when said first laser sensor detects said first flange; and wherein said traverse feed system said computer control is in communication with said second laser sensor and adapted to reverse said traverse feed system when said second laser sensor detects said second flange.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS, GRAPHS, DRAWINGS, AND APPENDICES

[0023] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such a description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, graphs, drawings, and appendices.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment in accordance with current invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment in accordance with current invention.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment in accordance with current invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a general perspective view of a preferred embodiment in accordance with current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0028] Referring to the illustrations, drawings, and pictures, reference character 10 generally designates a new and improved spooling and or coiling apparatus, system, and method of using the same constructed in accordance with the present invention. Invention 10 is generally used with elongated materials needing to be made into smaller segments for distribution from a larger spool and or reel. Elongated materials may be but are not limited to plastic profiles, such as but not limited to hollow profiles, flexible extrusions, hoses, electrical cables, steel cables, wire cables, felt, and so forth. For purposes of convenience, the reference numeral 10 may generally be utilized for the indication of the invention, portion of the invention, preferred embodiments of the invention and so on. It is also to be understood that invention 10 should not be considered limited to just spooling and coiling and the terms should not be considered to limit the invention to such.

[0029] Invention 10 may comprise a frame 20, a removable reel 30 having a barrel 40 between a first flange 50 and a second flange 60, a traverse feed system 70, and a computer control 80. Invention 10 also contemplates mounting a first sensor 90 and second sensor 100 on traverse feed system 70 first side or end 110 and second side or end 120, respectively.

[0030] First sensor 90 and second sensor 100 are in communication with computer control 80 for sensing when traverse feed system 70 on frame 20 is nearing first flange 50 and second flange 60, respectively. First sensor 90 and second sensor 100 may utilize lasers It is also contemplated that numerous sensors may be utilized.

[0031] First sensor 90 and second sensor 100 may be mounted as close to the tangent point of the reel 30 as possible. First sensor 90 and second sensor 100 may be mounted to traverse feed system 70 but above the frame 20 getting as close to the reel 30 tangent point 130 as possible.

Operation

[0032] Invention 10 contemplates:

1) Operator selects a recipe which may include core diameter, flange diameter, elongated material diameter, reel width, dwell, length to wind and so forth;
2) Operator then picks side to send home (either side);
3) Traverse then goes home and moves in a selected direction looking for flange greater than about 90% of recipe original diameter, flange found, moves an offset distance (pre-configured distance from sensor to center less 1/pipe diameter) for attachment, then turn-around position recorded, if end of travel found before flange, then reverse to find flange;
4) Operator attaches pipe to reel;
5) Operator presses start;
6) Winder winds first layer, reel turns at selected winding speed or torque, traverse follows at recipe pitch, looking for other flange, flange found, moves at pitch an offset distance (pre-configured distance from sensor to center less 1/pipe diameter), turn-around position recorded, recipe dwell begins; and
7) Winding continues like normal, using recorded turn-around points.

[0033] Additionally, reel core diameter and flange diameter could be measured automatically to help create reel recipe.

[0034] Therefore, invention 10 contemplates a coiling system for coiling elongated materials on a removable reel comprising: said removable reel having a first flange, a second flange, a barrel between said first flange and said second flange; a traverse feed system having a first end with a first laser sensor for detecting said first flange, a second end with a second laser sensor for detecting said second flange; wherein said traverse feed system is adapted for coiling elongated material on said barrel between said first flange and said second flange; wherein said traverse feed system has a computer control in communication with said first laser sensor and adapted to reverse said traverse feed system when said first laser sensor detects said first flange; and wherein said traverse feed system said computer control is in communication with said second laser sensor and adapted to reverse said traverse feed system when said second laser sensor detects said second flange.

[0035] Changes may be made in the combinations, operations, and arrangements of the various parts and elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, names, titles, headings, and general division of the aforementioned are provided for convenience and therefore, should not be considered limiting.