[Welcome] [Home] [General Information] [Portfolio of Selected Work: Textile Systems ] [Academics]

Textile Systems: Development of an Automatic Centering and Expanding Roll (Magic Roll)

Client

Universal Textile Machine Corporation, Lawrence, MA.

Problem

Textile webs under process must be constantly expanded to prevent wrinkles and they must also be centered along the production line. Systems for those operations are cumbersome and costly. They are used only were absolutely necessary. A simple system, light, and inexpensive, would reduce this constant source of losses and aggravation.

Solution

The picture below shows a system called the "MAGIC-ROLL" because of its intriguing performance. It consists of an expanding scroll roll made in two sections. Each section operates independently rotating about the same axis but at an angular speed that depends on the frictional force imposed by the fabric on top. Since that force is a function of the amount of fabric in contact with the roll section, the roll that has the least torque will speed up causing the fabric to be pulled to that side and be kept always on center. At the same time the whole sheet will be kept expanded. A mechanical system at the box in front of the motor balances the torques at both sides of the roll.

Picture of the Automatic Centering and Expanding Roll (Magic Roll)