Adjustable Preforming Tools for Book Block Rounding Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preforming and rounding book blocks in hardcover book manufacturing are inefficient and require frequent replacement of parts, leading to increased costs and complexity in automation.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with adjustable components, including a transport device, support strip, preform press, and rounding rolls, allows for flexible adjustment based on book block parameters, reducing the number of parts needed and enabling automatic adaptation to different book formats and thicknesses using prism strips with V-shaped edges, which can cover a wide range of thicknesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed preforming tools are used for book block processing, then the structure is simple, but frequent part replacements are required for different book formats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different book formatsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The preforming tools are made adjustable in the longitudinal direction through a drive mechanism, allowing them to dynamically change position according to different book block parameters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same tool to process various book formats without replacement, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable preforming tools serve multiple functions by accommodating different book block thicknesses and formats through position changes. A single universal tool design replaces the need for multiple fixed tools, achieving versatility while maintaining reasonable device complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple replacement parts are kept for different book formats, then adaptability is improved, but inventory costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage of book block thickness rangeVSAvoidnumber of replacement parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using multiple physical tools for different thickness ranges, the invention changes the position parameter of the preforming tools through mechanical adjustment. This parameter change approach allows a single tool to cover a wide thickness range (e.g., 30-40mm) by simply repositioning, eliminating the need to maintain inventory of multiple replacement parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanism enables dynamic repositioning of preforming tools during operation, allowing the system to adapt to different book formats on-demand rather than requiring pre-stocked replacement parts. This dynamic capability reduces inventory requirements while maintaining full format coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of components is required for each book block, then precision can be achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of preforming operationVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive mechanism automatically adjusts the preforming tools based on book block parameters, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by performing the adjustment operation autonomously, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while significantly improving productivity through automated, rapid repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical adjustment is replaced with an automated drive mechanism that can rapidly reposition preforming tools. This substitution maintains the precision of positioning while eliminating the time-consuming manual operation, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10099501B2Method for the preforming and rounding of a book block

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 MULLER MARTINI HLDG

AI summary

An apparatus and a method for the preforming and rounding of a book block. A support strip is arranged at an adjustable loading height for accommodating a fore-edge of the book block to be rounded. A transport device transports the book block at the loading height toward the support strip. A preform press is adjustable in a vertical direction above the back of the book block and includes at least two preforming tools. A rounding device including two rounding rolls driven in opposite directions for rotation around parallel rotational axes clamps the book block between the two rounding rolls for rounding the book block. At least a first drive is connected to at least one of the preforming tools to displace at least one of the preforming tools in a longitudinal direction extending parallel to the rotational axes to change a spacing between the preforming tools in the longitudinal direction.