Booklet Making Machine Online Adjustment for Stapling and Folding Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing booklet making machines require manual adjustments and interruptions to avoid misalignment of staples and ensure correct folding, which disrupts the operation and affects the quality of the end product.

Innovation Solution

A booklet making machine with adjustable stapling and folding arrangements, featuring actuated stop portions and a control unit that allows online adjustments via an operating terminal, enabling precise positioning without halting the machine's operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of stapler head position is performed to avoid misalignment of staples, then stapling precision is improved, but operation continuity deteriorates due to interruption of machine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestapling precisionVSAvoidoperation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a camera to automatically detect sheet positions and a control unit to calculate and execute position corrections, enabling the machine to self-adjust without manual intervention. This maintains stapling precision while preserving operation continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures sheet positions, the control unit processes this data, and actuators automatically adjust the stapler head position, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining continuous operation.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of sheet position before folding is performed to obtain correctly folded booklets, then folding precision is improved, but operation continuity deteriorates due to interruption of machine operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding precisionVSAvoidoperation continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects sheet positions using a camera and adjusts folding positions through actuators controlled by a control unit, enabling self-correction without manual intervention. This maintains folding precision while preserving operation continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures sheet positions, the control unit processes this data, and actuators automatically adjust the folding position, eliminating manual intervention and maintaining continuous operation.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If online adjustment of stapling and folding positions is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to addition of actuators and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls both stapling and folding position adjustments, manages camera data processing, and coordinates actuator operations. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive adaptability while minimizing the number of separate control systems needed.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the camera detection system and the actuator execution system. It processes camera data, calculates required adjustments, and commands actuators accordingly, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling flexible online adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables continuous operation with improved quality of stapled and folded products by allowing real-time adjustments of stapling and folding positions, enhancing the end result without interrupting connected apparatuses like printers.

Implementation Method 1

at least one actuator adapted to tilt at least one of the adjustment device of the stapling arrangement and the adjustment device of the folding arrangement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical tilting:

Implementation Method 2

the stop portion of the stapling arrangement and/or the folding arrangement is tilted by means of a link arrangement, which is actuated by means of an eccentric connection to a rotatable shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2750896B1Booklet making machine
Publication Date: 2016.06.15 PLOCKMATIC INT
  • EP2750896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2750896B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2750896B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

A booklet making machine is provided, comprising a stapling arrangement (10) adapted for stapling a set of sheets, and a folding arrangement (30) adapted for folding a set of sheets following a paper path. At least one of the stapling arrangement and the folding arrangement comprises an adjustment device (12; 32) for adjusting the position of the set of sheets during operation of the booklet making machine. Thereby, the quality of the stapled and folded end products can be improved during operation of the booklet making machine, without interrupting the operation of any connected apparatuses, such as a printer.