Book Document Folding and Stocking Apparatus with Vertical Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing book document production lines face inefficiencies due to the time-consuming final folding and storage process, which limits overall production speed and requires significant space, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a main conveying device, a secondary conveying device arranged at an angle to the main device, and a lifting device that allows for efficient folding and storage of book documents, enabling independent folding operations and compact storage solutions, including a receiving device above the conveying path for space-efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the production area is designed to be spacious to stretch the folding process over a longer conveying distance, then the conveying speed for overall production can be increased, but the space requirement of the overall production arrangement is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear conveying arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration by introducing vertical stacking of conveying levels and radial arrangement of conveying paths around a central folding station. Book documents are conveyed on multiple levels (upper and lower conveying devices) and can be directed to different receiving positions, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce the horizontal footprint while maintaining high conveying speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the secondary conveying device is positioned within or adjacent to the main conveying device's path, and receiving devices are stacked vertically. The folding station serves as a central hub with conveying paths nested around it, allowing multiple conveying operations to occur in a compact, space-efficient arrangement.
2Productivity
If a large pick-up device is used at the end of the production line to handle folding and stocking, then the folding and stocking capacity is improved, but the space requirement of the last production station is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the folding and stocking function into multiple independent receiving devices (first receiving device, second receiving device, third receiving device) that can operate simultaneously or independently. Each receiving device handles a portion of the folding/stocking task, distributing the workload and increasing overall capacity without requiring one large space-consuming device. The receiving devices can be positioned at different locations around the folding station.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding station serves multiple functions: it folds book documents, transfers them to different receiving devices, and can direct documents to various storage positions. The conveying devices serve both to transport documents through the production line and to position them for folding. This multi-functionality increases productivity while reducing the need for dedicated space for each function.
3Productivity
If the final folding and storage process is made more efficient to increase production speed, then the throughput capacity is improved, but the complexity of the production station increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated devices: the conveying devices serve both transport and positioning functions, the folding station integrates folding with transfer to receiving devices, and the receiving devices combine storage with sorting capabilities. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining high throughput capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for folding and receiving book documents comprises a main conveying device arranged and adapted to convey unfolded book documents in a main conveying direction and a secondary conveying device arranged and adapted to receive the book documents conveyed by the main conveying device and to convey them in a secondary conveying direction and/or against the secondary conveying direction, wherein the secondary conveying direction is transverse to the main conveying direction. Further, the apparatus comprises a receiving device arranged at a spatial distance from the first and/or the second conveying surface and configured to receive folded book documents. The device folds the conveyed book documents respectively with a movement in the secondary conveying direction and/or against the secondary conveying direction. Furthermore, a lifting device is arranged to convey the folded book documents from the main conveying device and/or from the secondary conveying device into the receiving device.