Multi-function Binding Machine Overlapped Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional bookbinding sewing machines face difficulties in sewing small or light signatures, which can lead to thread tears and compromised book block integrity, especially when using digital printers that produce sheets with limited pages and thin paper.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function binding machine with independent motors and control systems for the feeding, transport, and sewing stations allows for the formation and sewing of overlapped signatures, enabling stronger and more robust book blocks by stacking signatures on a fixed saddle, reducing the risk of thread tears and improving book quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sewing machines use standard sewing techniques for small and light signatures, then the sewing process is simple, but thread tears occur and book block integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the feeding mechanism into multiple independent feeding stations (first feeding station and second feeding station) that can operate separately or together. This segmentation allows selective feeding of signatures to form overlapped signatures, providing control over the sewing process to prevent thread tears in small and light signatures while maintaining machine functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple feeding stations and signature formation mechanisms into a single integrated sewing machine system. By merging the first feeding station, second feeding station, and signature stacking mechanism, the machine can form overlapped signatures that strengthen the book block integrity without requiring completely separate equipment.
2Reliability
If overlapped signatures are formed to strengthen book blocks, then book block integrity improves, but the formation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning signatures on the first feeding station and pre-forming them before they reach the sewing mechanism. The stacked signatures are prepared in advance on the feeding station, and the overlapped configuration is established before the sewing process begins, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The feeding stations are designed to automatically stack and position signatures without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism self-regulates the stacking process, forming overlapped signatures through automated control of the feeding stations and transport system, thereby simplifying operation despite the complex signature formation process.
3Strength
If multiple feeding stations are used to form overlapped signatures, then signature strength improves, but machine complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding stations are designed with multi-functionality, capable of operating independently to feed single signatures or working together to form overlapped signatures. The same feeding station infrastructure serves multiple purposes: individual signature feeding, stacked signature formation, and coordinated sewing operations, thereby reducing the need for entirely separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic control to the feeding system, allowing the feeding stations to adjust their operation based on the required signature configuration. The system can dynamically switch between feeding single signatures or stacking multiple signatures, and the transport mechanism can dynamically adjust positioning to accommodate different signature arrangements, reducing the need for fixed complex structures.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A multi-function binding machine is proposed. The multi-function binding machine (700) comprises a binding station (135) for binding blocks of signatures (105), and a feeding station (115) for receiving signatures in succession, opening the signatures, and feeding the signatures to the binding station; in the solution according to an embodiment of the invention, the multi-function binding machine further comprises a further feeding station (715) for receiving pre-signatures in successions, folding groups of at least one pre-signature into further signatures (729), and feeding the further signatures to the binding station. (FIG.7)