Adjustable Sheet Deposit Mechanism for Continuous Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet processing machines experience downtime and reduced automation due to limitations in sheet depositing mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in intermediate storage and handling.

Innovation Solution

A vertically adjustable sheet depositing device with a compact design, featuring a horizontally movable sheet depositing mechanism and coaxial shaft driven by linearly guided elements, which reduces displacement and slipping of intermediate storage stacks, allowing for non-stop operation and increased automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional sheet depositing device is used, then the machine can operate, but it experiences downtime and reduced automation due to limitations in sheet depositing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine uptimeVSAvoiddowntime
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet depositing device is designed to enable continuous operation of the sheet processing machine by eliminating downtime associated with traditional sheet depositing mechanisms. The device allows sheets to be deposited and stacked continuously without interrupting the processing cycle, thereby maintaining uninterrupted productive action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet depositing device incorporates a vertically adjustable design that can adapt its position dynamically. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to accommodate different sheet sizes and stacking requirements, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention or machine stoppage for reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of time

If intermediate storage capacity is increased, then non-stop operation is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidsheet depositing device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet depositing device utilizes a nested structure where multiple functional components are integrated within a compact vertical arrangement. The horizontally movable mechanism is nested within the vertically adjustable framework, allowing increased intermediate storage capacity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet depositing device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single vertically adjustable mechanism performs multiple functions: depositing sheets, stacking them in intermediate storage, and enabling non-stop operation. This universal design increases storage capacity without requiring separate complex subsystems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the sheet depositing device is positioned independently of the blanking tool, then tool changes are simplified, but the device requires additional positioning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool change processVSAvoidpositioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet depositing device is segmented from the blanking tool, allowing independent positioning and operation. This segmentation enables tool changes to be performed without affecting the sheet depositing function, simplifying the tool change process by isolating the depositing mechanism as a separate, independently controllable unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The independent positioning capability is achieved through dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the sheet depositing device to be repositioned vertically and horizontally as needed. This dynamic positioning system enables flexible tool changes and configuration adjustments without requiring complex fixed linkages to the blanking tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3994087B1Sheet processing machine with at least one sheet storage device, and method for storing sheets
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3994087B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3994087B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3994087B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sheet processing machine (01) with at least one sheet storage device (701), wherein the at least one sheet storage device (701) is arranged in an adjustable manner at least in a retraction direction (E), and the at least one sheet storage device (701) has a plane (E701).