Automated Embossing Device with Rotating Stamp Drum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for producing embossed signs, such as license plate plates, require significant manual effort due to the need for manual selection and placement of embossing stamps, hindering fully automated production.

Innovation Solution

A device with at least two embossing rollers, each with a roller wheel and movably mounted embossing stamps, allows for automated selection and positioning of embossing stamps using a control unit, enabling the embossing of desired character combinations on a sign blank without manual intervention, with positive and negative stamps working in pairs to emboss characters from different sides.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual selection and placement of embossing stamps is used, then the device structure can be simple, but the productivity is low and full automation cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction automation levelVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embossing stamps are mounted on a rotatable drum that can dynamically select different stamps during operation. The drum rotates to bring the required stamp into the working position, transforming a static arrangement into a dynamic selection system that enables automation while maintaining structural efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single drum structure serves multiple functions: it stores multiple embossing stamps, selects the required stamp through rotation, positions it for embossing, and returns it to storage. This multi-functional design achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

2Productivity

If multiple embossing stamps are stored and manually selected, then all character combinations can be produced, but the operation time increases due to manual selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing speedVSAvoidtime for stamp selection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All embossing stamps are pre-arranged on the drum in predetermined positions before operation begins. During the embossing process, the drum simply rotates to the pre-calculated position for the required character, eliminating the need for real-time selection decisions and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical selection process is replaced by an automated rotational mechanism controlled by a control unit. The control unit receives the desired character input and automatically rotates the drum to the correct position, substituting human operation with automated mechanical control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of embossing stamps are stored on the drum, then all possible character combinations can be embossed, but the weight and size of the moving parts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharacter combination coverageVSAvoiddrum and stamp assembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The complete set of embossing stamps is divided into multiple groups arranged radially around the drum's circumference. Each segment of the drum carries a subset of stamps, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive character coverage while distributing the weight and size requirements across a larger rotational path rather than concentrating all stamps in one location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3858638B1Device for the automated production of embossed signs and vending machine with such a device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 KLEINSCHROTH MARTIN
  • EP3858638B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3858638B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3858638B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of automated production of embossed signs, in particular embossed license plates, for example for motor vehicles. Among other technical improvements, a device (2) for the automated production of embossed signs is proposed, which includes an embossing device (3) with at least one embossing roller (4) on which embossing dies (6) are provided that are movably mounted in the embossing direction. (see Fig. 1)