Buffer Storage Decouples Passport Production Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for producing book-shaped identification, value, or security documents face delays in cycle time and throughput due to faults in individual devices, as subsequent devices are impaired, leading to inefficiencies in production.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a buffer storage system that decouples production flows between devices, allowing for flexible processing and redundancy in key stages such as sewing, gluing, and printing, ensuring continuous operation even if faults occur, along with redundant devices for critical processes like sewing and gluing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fault occurs in a first device in the system, then subsequent or parallel devices in the system are impaired in their further production, but the cycle time and throughput are delayed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidcycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The production system is segmented into multiple independent production lines (first production line with first sewing device, second production line with second sewing device). Each line can operate independently, so a fault in one line does not impair the other line's productivity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and cycle time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameter from single-line production to multi-line parallel production. By introducing a second sewing device and corresponding production line, the system maintains production continuity (reliability) while preventing cycle time delays when faults occur, as the unaffected line continues operating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If subsequent devices are impaired due to faults in previous devices, then the entire production flow is delayed, but individual device independence is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction stabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the production process into separate segmentable lines, each with its own sewing device and associated components. This segmentation allows independent operation of each line, maintaining production stability while managing system complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares multiple production lines in advance (first and second sewing devices, respective buffer storage units) so that when a fault occurs in one line, the other line is already positioned to continue production without interruption, maintaining stability without requiring complex real-time coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3527400B1System for producing and processing a book-shaped identity, valuable or security document and method for the production thereof
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3527400B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3527400B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2f
  • EP3527400B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (150) for the production and processing of a book-shaped identification, valuables, or security document (100). The system (150) comprises: a receiving device (250) for receiving the data card (106); a recognition device (208); an attachment device (200); a passport book page device (300); an adhesive device (400); a sewing device (500); a dispensing device (600) for dispensing the cover (102); an adhesive and folding device (700); an edge processing device (800); a finishing device (850); and one or more holding and transport devices (950, 952, 954, 1000) for transporting the data card (106), the passport book block (104), the passport book blank (128), and/or an identification, valuables, or security document (100) between the devices.A first buffer storage unit (902) is provided, which is connected on the buffer input side to the passport page device (300), the attachment device (200), and the adhesive device (400), and on the buffer output side to the sewing device (500) for decoupling a first production flow (904) from a second production flow (924). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for producing the identification, value, or security document (100).