Album Production Device with Movable Receiving Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing photographic albums are cumbersome, expensive, and lack the ability to produce thematic albums of varying sizes and formats, especially with the rise of digital photos, as they require centralized production and result in lower image quality.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic device that includes units for folding, creasing, and gluing sheets to create albums, with a programmable automation system for precise alignment and formatting, allowing for on-site production of albums with customizable size and format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital offset printing and automated binding machines are used, then individual book production is enabled, but production costs become prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the album production process into separate functional units (folding unit, creasing unit, gluing unit, receiving tray) that can operate independently and be manually operated, eliminating the need for expensive fully automated binding machines while still enabling individual album production
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving tray is designed to be movable in translation between several positions and synchronizes with the folding unit operation, allowing the system to self-align and self-position sheets without requiring complex automated positioning systems or additional operators
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital offset printing is used, then individual book production is enabled, but image quality deteriorates compared to photographic prints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that sheets are advantageously formatted according to a desired layout on the one hand and the definitive format of the album on the other hand, before the album production process begins. This preliminary formatting of photographic negatives ensures high-quality photographic prints are prepared in advance, preserving image quality while enabling individual album production
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate machines for gluing, binding, and cutting are used, then album production is possible, but the system becomes cumbersome and automation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the folding unit, creasing unit, gluing unit, and receiving tray into a single coordinated system where components work together in sequence. The receiving tray moves in synchronism with the folding unit, and all units are positioned to work on the same sheets without requiring multiple separate machines, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving tray serves multiple functions: it receives scored sheets, compiles sheets together for making an album, and moves in translation between several positions to synchronize with the folding unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate machines for different operations, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has antagonistic rollers with projections, disengagement or hollow zones and flat wheel for grooving sheets to facilitate folding of the sheets and maintaining the sheets in a folded form. A plate (40) receives the grooved sheets and compiles the sheets between them at ends to produce a photographic album. The plate is movable in translation according to parallel direction at direction of progression of the sheets within the device and movable between positions and synchronous with the operation of a folding unit. An automatic measuring unit measures length of the sheets.