Book Trimming Device Spine Support Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing book trimming devices often deform the spine of books during the cutting process, leading to damage such as slight tears, especially when using techniques like cutting and milling, which affects the visual quality of the book.

Innovation Solution

A device with a concavely curved support element that fits the spine of the book, counteracting the cutting force and preventing deformation, combined with gripping arms made of flexible material to securely hold the book without causing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the book is pressed or tensioned between two clamps during trimming, then the book is held in the correct position, but the spine can be deformed and damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidspine deformation and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support device features a concavely curved area that matches the convex shape of the book spine. This curved geometry allows the spine to be supported in a form-fitting manner, distributing the supporting force along the spine's natural contour rather than concentrating it at single points, thereby preventing deformation and damage while maintaining positioning accuracy during trimming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of uniform pressing or tensioning across the entire book, the invention applies localized support specifically to the spine area through the concavely curved support device. This localized approach provides precise positioning while avoiding harmful forces on the vulnerable spine region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If a cutting element is used to trim the book, then the book achieves its final format, but the spine may suffer damage in the form of slight tears

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrimming accuracyVSAvoidspine damage and tears
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is positioned to support the spine before the cutting operation begins. By providing preliminary support counteracting the cutting force, the device prevents the spine from deforming or tearing during the trimming process, thereby achieving accurate trimming without damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If traditional clamping methods are used to secure the book, then the book is fixed in position, but the visual impression of the book is reduced due to spine damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebook fixationVSAvoidvisual quality and structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concavely curved support device acts as an intermediary between the clamping mechanism and the book spine. It provides the necessary fixation while distributing forces evenly across the spine's convex surface, preventing direct contact between harsh clamping elements and the vulnerable spine, thus maintaining both ease of operation and visual quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3527340B1Device and method for performing at least one cut process
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3527340B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3527340B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3527340B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for carrying out at least one cutting operation (10) for the purpose of producing a book (70), a brochure, or the like, in particular a book-like identification document such as a passport book, which comprises book pages bound to a spine (74). The device has a receiving element (12) for receiving the book (70) in a first plane, and a cutting element for applying a cutting force to the book (70) in a second plane essentially perpendicular to the first plane. Furthermore, the device has at least one support device (30) mechanically fixed to the receiving element (12), on which at least a region of the spine (74) can be positioned and with which, when the cutting force acts on the book (70), at least a region of the spine (74) can be supported with a supporting force that is essentially opposite to the cutting force.