Bookbinding Pump Speed Control for Adhesive Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing nozzle type adhesive application mechanisms in bookbinding machines require labor-intensive and time-consuming initial settings to achieve the correct adhesive thickness and rotational speed for varying book block thicknesses and conveying speeds, especially when dealing with different adhesive characteristics and user-specific preferences.

Innovation Solution

A bookbinding machine with a pump rotational speed setting section that calculates a rotational speed coefficient based on both the thickness of the book block and the conveying speed of the clamper, using predefined functions to automatically set the pump speed, reducing the need for manual table preparation and labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a nozzle type adhesive application mechanism is used to apply PUR adhesive to book blocks of varying thickness, then the adhesion force is improved, but the complexity of initial setting increases because the pump rotational speed must be manually adjusted for each thickness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion forceVSAvoidinitial setting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically calculates and sets the pump rotational speed based on the book block thickness input by the user, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and making the system self-configuring. The control unit serves itself by autonomously determining optimal parameters without requiring user expertise or time-consuming test operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the pump rotational speed parameter based on the book block thickness parameter. By establishing a functional relationship between these parameters, the system automatically adapts the adhesive application parameters to match different book block specifications, simplifying the initial setting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manual test operations are conducted to create a table of rotational speed values for different book block thicknesses, then the adhesive application accuracy is improved, but the time and labor required for initial setting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive thickness controlVSAvoidinitial setting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of conducting test operations and creating lookup tables with an automated computational system. The control unit uses mathematical calculations and stored functions to directly determine optimal pump rotational speeds, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical testing and table creation while maintaining precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary calculations and stores optimal rotational speed values in advance within the control unit's memory. When a user inputs a book block thickness, the control unit retrieves or calculates the corresponding optimal speed immediately, rather than requiring real-time test operations. This preliminary preparation of data eliminates setup time during actual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the pump rotational speed is adjusted to account for both book block thickness and clamper conveying speed, then the adhesive application consistency is improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive thickness consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it calculates pump rotational speed based on book block thickness, adjusts for clamper conveying speed variations, and manages adhesive flow rate control. By consolidating these multiple control functions into a single intelligent control unit, the system achieves comprehensive parameter optimization without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback from the clamper conveying speed to dynamically adjust the pump rotational speed. By monitoring the actual conveying speed and using this information to modify adhesive application parameters in real-time, the system maintains consistent adhesive thickness even when production speed varies, ensuring stability through continuous adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3613599B1Bookbinding apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.02.23 HORIZON INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3613599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3613599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3613599B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A bookbinding machine calculates a rotational speed coefficient, which represents the percent change of a rotational speed of a pump 6 relative to the reference rotational speed of the pump, depending on a thickness of a book block P to be bound and a conveying speed of a clamper by use of a first function defining a relationship between the thickness of the book block and the rotational speed coefficient and a second function defining a relationship between the rotational speed coefficient and the conveying speed of the clamper, calculates the set value of the rotational speed of the pump based on the rotational speed coefficients and the reference rotational speed, and sets the rotational speed of the pump according to the set value of the rotational speed.