Book Binding System Synchronizing Supply Timing and Speed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional book binding systems face low productivity due to variable printing demands and differing processing speeds between the book binding and trimming machines, leading to inefficiencies in accumulating and trimming bound materials of varying sizes.

Innovation Solution

A book binding system with a controller that adjusts the supply timing and speed of book blocks based on job information, including accumulating number and processing speeds, to synchronize the feeding of book blocks between the book binding and trimming machines, ensuring optimal productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the accumulating machine accumulates bound materials per one or a few books to meet variable printing demands, then the system can accommodate different sizes and quantities, but the processing speed becomes slower than the book binding machine

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accumulate bound materials of varying sizes and quantitiesVSAvoidprocessing speed of accumulating machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed adjustment where the book binding machine's processing speed is variable rather than fixed. The control unit adjusts the making speed based on real-time feedback from the accumulating machine's capacity and the trimming machine's processing rate, allowing the system to optimize throughput while accommodating variable printing demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a control unit that receives information about the accumulating number from the accumulating machine and uses this feedback to adjust the book binding machine's processing speed. This closed-loop control ensures that the book binding machine operates at an optimal speed that matches the downstream processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the book binding machine operates at high speed to increase productivity, then more bound materials are produced, but the trimming machine and accumulating machine become bottlenecks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction rate of book binding machineVSAvoidwaiting time at trimming and accumulating machines

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of the downstream machines' capabilities and adjusts the book binding machine's speed in advance to prevent bottlenecks. The control unit calculates the optimal making speed based on the accumulating machine's capacity and trimming machine's processing rate before production begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters of the book binding machine dynamically. The making speed is adjusted as a variable parameter based on the accumulating number and the processing speeds of downstream machines, transforming a static production system into a flexible one that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the accumulating machine processes bound materials at a slower speed to match the trimming machine, then the system operates smoothly, but overall productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesynchronization of processing speedsVSAvoidoverall system throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than fixing the accumulating machine's speed, the system dynamically adjusts the book binding machine's speed to match downstream capabilities. This reverse approach maintains stability while preserving the book binding machine's high productivity potential.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the book binding machine and the downstream machines. It receives information about the accumulating number and processing speeds, then mediates the production flow by adjusting the book binding machine's output rate to optimize overall system throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11400745B2Book binding system

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 HORIZON INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A book block supplying machine includes a reader which reads job information from an information portion printed on a book block; and a timing adjusting portion which adjusts a supply timing at which the book block is fed toward the book binding machine. A controller includes: a job information acquisition portion which acquires the job information; an upper limit processing speed acquisition portion which acquires an upper limit processing speed; a making speed decision portion which adopts and decides the making speed; a making speed instruction portion which instructs the book binding machine to make the bound material at the making speed; a timing decision portion which decides the supply timing based on the making speed, upper limit processing speed and accumulating number; and a timing instruction portion which instructs the timing adjusting portion to supply the book block at the supply timing.