MAYA

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine designed to test the durability and resistance of restoration treatments applied to books by simulating repeated opening and closing. Named MAJE, this machine reproduces the mechanical stresses experienced by books, particularly on the stitching, hinges, spine, and conservation bindings. Two prototypes have been developed: one uses an eccentric axis to generate a rocking motion, the other a hydraulic cylinder system providing linear movement. Both models allow for the simulation of opening and closing cycles at adjustable rates, while ensuring user safety with an emergency stop button. Future improvements will include a speed controller, a cycle programmer, and the ability to record data via sensors.This machine aims to meet the needs of the conservation of works, by offering a holistic approach to testing the effectiveness of restorations under mechanical conditions close to those of reality.

Description

Title of the invention: MA JE technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of conservation and restoration of old and modern books. More particularly, it relates to a machine for simulating repeated opening and closing of books in order to test the effectiveness of restoration treatments applied to the stitching, binding, joints and hinges, or more generally to the spines of books. This also includes localized restoration treatments or conservation binding designs. This machine is not intended for industrial use. Description of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a machine for simulating repeated opening and closing, intended for testing book consolidation. This machine, called MAJE, is designed to evaluate the durability and resistance of books during conservation and restoration operations. Technical problem

[0003] In the field of book conservation and restoration, it is essential to evaluate treatments that can consolidate weakened structures while avoiding the complete or partial removal of the binding. It is also crucial to assess the mechanical behavior of conservation bindings to determine their suitability for the structure and their resistance.

[0004] The stresses experienced by the different areas of the book (sewing supports, thread, cover material, spine) cannot be isolated from those experienced by its entire structure. Existing tests and protocols, which focus primarily on the nature of the materials (elasticity or tensile tests, resistance to creasing, resistance to friction, accelerated aging, etc.), are therefore less relevant than a holistic approach. Book restoration treatments are often carried out without a means of testing their resistance to repeated mechanical stresses, particularly opening and closing movements. The MAJE machine thus enables a holistic approach, reproducing real mechanical stresses. Description of embodiments

[0005] Currently, two prototypes of the machine have been produced using two different mechanisms: the first with an eccentric axis and the second with a jack system: a. Model no. 1: eccentric axis [Fig. 1]. The machine resembles a mechanical lectern. It consists of two plastic (Plexiglas) platforms. or polycarbonate) measuring 300 x 200 mm support the book's covers. These covers follow a vertical axis (f) driven by an eccentric mechanism connected to an electric motor (a). The motor rotates a disc (c) to which a steel arm (d) is attached. This circular motion tilts the two plates (j) between an angle of 180° (book open) and 30° (book closed). The rocking motion raises and lowers two wedges (g) fixed under the inner plates (e), and two additional outer wedges (h) are positioned on an axis held by two fixed supports (i). Thus, the two inner wedges allow the plates to tilt up and down (towards the center), and the two outer wedges follow the tilting movement up to a certain point. The cycle repeats at a rate of 65 to 72 openings per minute, depending on the motor used. The book is held in place by adjustable wedges (k) tightened with wing nuts.Although the model size is limited, larger books can be tested by removing the supports and using ribbons or clips to hold the books to the trays. The machine is compact (745 x 345 x 400 mm, 23 kg) and must be placed on a table. A switch (b) allows the machine, which is mains-powered, to be switched on and off. b. Model No. 2: the cylinder [Fig. 2]. In model No. 2, the mechanism is based on a cylinder (e) that actuates two rocker arms (h) (g), allowing the book to open and close at a rate of 10 openings per minute. The book is attached to the trays in the same way as in model No. 1, with a system of adjustable wedges (j). A switch (a) and an emergency stop button (b) are provided to control the machine, and the mechanical components are protected by an aluminum casing. This model is mounted on casters (600 x 305 x 820 mm) for easy mobility. The prototype was designed to be compact, lightweight (between 15 and 20 kg) thanks to its metal tube structure (1), and ergonomic, as the trays (i) are at hip height. In both models, a guide (k) ensures that the trays maintain a straight trajectory when the system is started. Description of the drawings

[0006] The machine will be better understood upon reading the following description:

[0007] Fig. 1 [Fig. 1] diagram of the eccentric mechanism of model no. 1. The different elements are numbered as follows: a. Electric motor b. Switch c. Wheel d. Pendulum arm e. Support f. Guides g. Internal wedges h. External wedges i. Fixed supports j. Plateaux k. Adjustable shims with wing nuts

[0008] Fig. 2 [Fig. 2] diagram of the mechanism of machine no. 2 with piston (model no. 2). The different elements are numbered as follows: a. Switch b. Emergency stop button c. Deflection box d. Engine e. Jack f. Mobile base g. Inner rocker arms h. External rocker arms i. Plateaus j. Wedges with wing nuts k. Guide 1. Metal structure

[0009] Fig. 3 represents the mechanism when the dishes are opened.

[0010] Figure [Fig. 4] shows the mechanism when the dishes are closed. Possible improvements

[0011] A third prototype is currently under development, combining the two models described above. It will incorporate improvements such as a speed variator and retain the advantages of model no. 2 (emergency stop button, casters). It will combine a linear lifting and lowering system while maintaining a fast cycle speed, as with model no. 1. In all future versions, the mechanism will be systematically concealed and protected. A larger version for larger projects is also being considered.

[0012] A future version could include a timer and a programmer allowing the number of cycles to be performed or the duration of the test to be set. Furthermore, this electronic programmer could allow the opening angle to be selected from 20° to 180°.

[0013] In addition to the control and emergency stop systems, a protective grid can be affixed over the moving part of the machine, thus protecting the moving parts.

[0014] A variable speed drive would allow the motor's rotation speed to be selected, and therefore the speed of the opening cycles. Sensors or a camera could be integrated to detect failures, such as the breakage of a consolidation, for example. This would make it possible to know the number of openings before reaching the breaking point. Prior art

[0015] a. ISO 19594 and Sigloch's Pull and Flex. ISO 19594 measures the holding force of glued bindings, particularly for tensile tests on individual pages. This test applies only to glued bindings and does not take into account other forces exerted when opening a book (bending, compression, etc.). Sigloch's Pull and Flex machines are used to test the adhesion force between the pages and the glued binding, without incorporating sewn structures. The functional differences between the two machines are as follows: i. Pull and Flex measure the tensile force exerted on individual pages, simulating mechanical actions on glued bindings to test adhesion strength. ii. MAJE does not measure tensile force, but simulates 180° opening and closing cycles to observe the mechanical stresses on the binding and the various elements of the book (sewing, text block, etc.). It is not limited to glued structures, but also includes sewn ones. iii. MAJE will be programmed to perform a specific number of opening / closing cycles, with the addition of new features such as a timer and a programmer. This will make it even more useful for extended cycles in conservation and restoration settings. b. The device described in Conservation Bindings Part 3 - Materials Testing, Binding Function, Durability by M. Anders, JA Szirmai & A. Wellhauser, designed to meet a series of tests on conservation bindings, was developed in 2017. This device uses an eccentric mechanism to perform a repetitive movement, which is classic for generating back-and-forth motions. It allows for the simulation of opening and closing books, but has some limitations. This device uses a controlled deflection angle (60° to 90°) determined by the diameter of the eccentric shaft. Movable clamps are used to hold the books in place. Several differences are to be noted between this machine and MAJE: i. Movement orientation: Unlike the machine described previously, which operates its opening and closing cycles along a horizontal axis, MAJE follows a vertical axis. Furthermore, the mechanical movement can be generated by two systems (see Description of embodiments): one identical system with an eccentric axis and a hydraulic cylinder system. No support exerts pressure on the text block during opening, which is facilitated by the book's orientation. ii. The degree of opening of MAJE is greater than 90° and opens the document flat, which reproduces real conditions. iii. The book retention mechanism incorporates retaining wedges that secure the book more firmly. iv. MAJE benefits from machine safety and control thanks to the emergency stop button which guarantees user safety; these principles are also reinforced by the protective casing of the mechanical system. v. The more modern visual appearance and the mobility solutions provided by the fitting of casters.

Claims

Demands

1. Testing device for books, consisting of a mobile lectern supporting the book covers, the trays of which are operated by an electric motor allowing a pendulum motion opening and closing the book at an angle of 20° to 180°.

2. Testing device for books, characterized by a programmable mechanism allowing a number of opening and closing cycles to be defined.

3. Testing device for books, characterized by the presence of an emergency stop button.

4. Testing device for books, characterized by a speed variator allowing adjustment of the number of cycles per minute.

5. Testing device for books, characterized in that its weight does not exceed 30kg facilitating transport.

6. Testing device for books, characterized by a linear mechanism.

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