Automated Book Cover Deformation Tool with Dynamic Motion Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional book production lines face inefficiencies in processing book covers of varying formats and qualities, leading to idle cycles, reduced productivity, and suboptimal product quality due to fixed movement profiles and unchangeable processing times.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that optimize the movement profiles of processing tools based on real-time format data, allowing for time- and path-dependent adjustments to match the specific requirements of each book cover, enabling precise shaping and stabilization without unnecessary adjustments, thus optimizing processing times and reducing wear on machinery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed movement profiles and unchangeable processing times are used for book cover processing, then the processing sequence is simple to control, but productivity decreases due to idle cycles when processing book covers of varying formats

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic movement profiles that automatically adapt to different book cover formats. The control device receives format data and generates optimized movement profiles in real-time, replacing fixed profiles with adaptive ones. This allows the processing tools to move at optimal speeds and positions for each specific format, eliminating idle cycles and improving productivity without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes processing parameters (movement speed, position, timing) based on the detected book cover format. The control device adjusts movement profile parameters dynamically according to format data, optimizing processing times and tool positions for each specific format. This parameter adaptation eliminates the need for fixed profiles and reduces idle cycles while maintaining simple automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If format-specific adjustments are made for each book cover, then processing precision improves, but processing time increases due to unnecessary adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary format-specific parameters from the book cover data and applies adjustments only where needed. The control device analyzes format data and generates movement profiles that include adjustments only for the specific dimensions and characteristics of each book cover, rather than applying blanket adjustments to all processing steps. This reduces unnecessary adjustments while maintaining processing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of format data before processing begins, pre-calculating the optimal movement profile for the specific book cover format. This allows the control device to prepare the precise adjustment sequence in advance, eliminating the need for reactive adjustments during processing and reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If frequent adjustments are made to processing tools, then adaptability to different formats improves, but machine wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidmachine wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical adjustment systems with a digitally controlled movement profile system. Instead of physically adjusting tool positions and speeds through mechanical means for each format, the control device generates optimized movement profiles that are executed by the existing automated processing system. This substitution maintains adaptability to different formats while significantly reducing mechanical wear on adjustment components.

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

4Productivity

If processing tools operate at maximum speed for all formats, then productivity is maximized, but processing quality deteriorates for smaller formats

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidprocessing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by optimizing movement profiles specifically for each book cover format size. The control device generates different movement profiles that tailor processing speed and tool positioning to the specific dimensions of each format. Smaller formats receive optimized slower speeds and precise positioning, while larger formats can utilize faster speeds, ensuring high processing quality for all formats while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for high-quality production of book covers in various formats and qualities, reducing idle cycles and improving productivity by ensuring optimal processing times and precision, while minimizing energy consumption and machine wear.

Implementation Method 1

The forming tool presses the spine of the book case against hinge molding strips that engage in the hinge area and act from the opposite side. This targeted interplay of force and heat is intended to give the case material a shape that perfectly matches the curve of the book block and is also permanently stabilized.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat: Heating

Implementation Method 2

The forming tool presses the spine of the book case against hinge molding strips that engage in the hinge area and act from the opposite side. This targeted interplay of force and heat is intended to give the case material a shape that perfectly matches the curve of the book block and is also permanently stabilized.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

The stabilizing effect is created by the structural change between the paper fibers, glue, and binding agents. Buckling or breaking of the spine insert on the book case can also be prevented by applying heat during the shaping of the spine.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment stabilization: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP4461553A1Method and device for the automated processing of book covers with a deformation tool
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 MULLER MARTINI HLDG
  • EP4461553A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4461553A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4461553A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the automated production of book covers (4) using a forming tool (2) by means of a control device (44) and a corresponding device. It is proposed that the control device (44) moves the adjustment devices (48) and the movable driven tools (18) according to an optimized time- and distance-dependent profile, which has been created programmatically based on the data of the printed product to be produced, and/or transmits time- and distance-optimized control commands to the adjustment devices (48) and motion profiles to the drives (50) of the movable driven tools (18) based on the data of the printed product to be produced, wherein the time- and distance-dependent optimization is achieved by determining the maximum format based on the data of the respective printed product to be produced.