Adjustable Trimming Assembly for Printed Media
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trimmers are limited to producing only a single size of magazines during a production run, requiring manual adjustments and disrupting the continuous processing of differently sized printed media.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable trimming assembly that electronically controls the position of trimming devices based on predetermined size data, allowing for real-time adjustment of trim sizes during the production run, enabling the processing of various sizes of printed media without stopping the production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of blades is used in conventional trimmers, then the trimmer can be set up for a specific production run, but the production line must stop to adjust blade positions for different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the blade positions adjustable during operation through an automated actuation system. The blades can be dynamically repositioned along the conveyor path using motorized actuators controlled by a controller that receives size data, eliminating the need to stop production for manual adjustments while maintaining adaptability to different trim sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electronic control system. Instead of manual blade adjustment, the system uses electronic controllers, actuators, and sensors to automatically position blades at different locations along the conveyor path based on received size data, thereby maintaining continuous production while adapting to different trim requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual blade adjustment is performed, then the trimmer can accommodate different magazine sizes, but operator intervention is required which disrupts continuous processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by implementing an automated adjustment system that operates without operator intervention. The controller receives size data, processes it, and automatically actuates the blades to the correct positions along the conveyor path. The system monitors and adjusts itself based on received instructions, eliminating the need for manual operator involvement in the adjustment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. The manual operation is substituted by electronic controllers, actuators, and sensors that work together to automatically position blades based on received size data, thereby increasing automation extent while maintaining trim size flexibility.
3Productivity
If the trimmer is designed for high-speed continuous operation, then productivity increases, but the ability to adjust trim sizes without stopping decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of blade positions during high-speed continuous operation. The automated actuation system allows blades to be repositioned along the conveyor path while the conveyor continues moving, maintaining high productivity while providing adaptability to different trim sizes without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the continuity of useful action principle by maintaining continuous conveyor operation throughout the adjustment process. The blades are actuated to new positions while the conveyor continues to transport magazines at high speed, ensuring that the useful action of continuous processing is never interrupted, thereby maintaining both high productivity and real-time adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of trimming printed media, having a first dimension, a first edge parallel to the direction of the first dimension, and a second dimension substantially perpendicular to the first dimension, includes selecting printed media to be positioned on a conveyor based on predetermined delivery sequence data, positioning the printed media along a path on the conveyor, abutting the printed media with a stop to position the first edge of the printed media at a location along the path, receiving size data representative of the second dimension of the printed media to be trimmed, and electronically controlling at least one of the stop and a trimming device to adjust a distance between the stop and the trimming device, in a direction substantially parallel with the path, based on the received size data to adjust a location along the second dimension at which the printed media is to be trimmed.