Blade Alignment Method Using Reference Marks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cutting machine systems require time-consuming manual alignment of cutting and scoring blades, which is inefficient and not suitable for machines handling a variety of materials, and existing automatic alignment methods rely on sophisticated measurement instruments that are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

An operating method that automatically aligns cutting and scoring blades by determining and memorizing initial alignment positions and using calculations to determine subsequent alignment positions, allowing for motorized adjustments to align blades without the need for repeated manual alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment of cutting and scoring blades is performed using test cuts, then alignment between blades is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the scoring blade with the cutting blade before mounting on the machine. The alignment is performed on the ground using simple reference marks, so that when the blade set is mounted on the machine, the alignment is already established and only minor adjustments are needed. This eliminates the time-consuming test cut process that would otherwise be required to achieve proper alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary reference mark system to transfer alignment information. Reference marks are created on the ground during pre-alignment, and these marks serve as intermediaries to guide the mounting position of the blade set on the machine. This intermediary reference system allows alignment information to be preserved and transferred without requiring complex measurement instruments or time-consuming test cuts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complete set of blades is replaced together after sharpening, then alignment position can be recalled, but productivity decreases when scoring blade is still sharp

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment consistencyVSAvoidblade replacement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the cutting blade and scoring blade into independent replaceable units, each with its own reference marks. Instead of treating them as a single set that must be replaced together, the blades can be individually replaced while maintaining alignment through their respective reference marks. This allows the scoring blade to remain in use until it actually needs replacement, improving productivity while maintaining alignment consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses reference marks as copies of alignment information. The reference marks are created during initial alignment and serve as permanent copies of the correct alignment position. When blades are replaced, these reference mark copies allow quick restoration of the correct alignment without needing to recall original alignment positions or perform time-consuming realignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If sophisticated measurement instruments are used for automatic alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses simple, inexpensive reference marks instead of sophisticated measurement instruments. The reference marks are created using basic tools and serve as disposable alignment aids that eliminate the need for expensive laser measurement systems, optical instruments, or complex electronic alignment devices. This approach achieves sufficient alignment precision while avoiding device complexity and high costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment adjustments are performed every time a blade is replaced, then alignment accuracy is maintained, but machine inactivity time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidmachine inactivity time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs alignment actions in advance, before the blades are mounted on the machine. Reference marks are created during pre-alignment on the ground, so that when the blades are mounted and replaced during operation, the alignment is already established. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment adjustments during machine operation, maintaining accuracy while minimizing machine inactivity time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2477776B1Operating method for the alignment between a cutting blade anda scoring blade of a cutting machine
Publication Date: 2013.07.31 NALDI VALTER
  • EP2477776B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP2477776B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2477776B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~6

AI summary

Operating method for the management and for the correct alignment of a cutting unit of a cutting machine, and in particular for the accurate alignment of a cutting blade (13; 130; 230) and its relevant scoring blade (12; 120; 220; 320), method being characterized by the fact that it comprises the following steps: (s1) determining first aligning positions between (n) cutting blades and (N) scoring blades; (s2) memorizing said first aligning positions; (s3) determining, by means of calculations and as a function of said first aligning positions, at least a second aligning position between one of the (n) cutting blades (13; 130; 230) and one of the (N) scoring blades (12; 120; 220; 320) never previously aligned together; and (s4) instructing and executing said at least one second alignment between one of the (n) cutting blades (13; 130; 230) and one of the (N) scoring blades (12; 120; 220; 320) in accord with previous step (s3).