Pressure Plate Clamping Rail Pneumatic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing plate clamping devices for rotary printing machines require manual operation or tools, leading to extended setup times and lack of automatic operation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device that allows for tool-free operation using a pneumatic system with a pressure hose guiding force centrally onto a compression spring, enabling remote or foot control, and maintaining consistent clamping force across varying plate thicknesses through adjustable spring positions and toggle lever designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operation or tools are used to operate the clamping device, then the device can be operated, but the setup time is extended and automatic operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with a pneumatic actuation system. A pneumatic cylinder is introduced to automatically actuate the clamping mechanism, eliminating the need for manual tool operation and enabling automatic plate changing cycles, thus resolving the contradiction between automation extent and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic technology through a pneumatic cylinder connected to the toggle lever mechanism. Compressed air drives the cylinder to automatically open and close the clamping rail, replacing manual operation and enabling automated printing press operation, thereby reducing setup time and achieving automatic operation capability.
2Force
If the pressure hose presses directly on the toggle lever to open the rail, then the rail can be opened, but force is lost due to leverage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure piece as an intermediary element between the pneumatic cylinder and the toggle lever mechanism. This pressure piece centrally transmits the pneumatic force to the compression spring, which then acts on the toggle lever joint, eliminating direct pressure hose contact with the lever and preventing force loss through improved leverage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring automatically translates the centrally applied pneumatic force into effective leverage action on the toggle lever joint. The spring mechanism self-adjusts to maintain optimal force transmission, eliminating the need for direct pneumatic hose contact with the lever and preventing energy loss through inefficient leverage.
3Ease of operation
If tools are used for operation, then the clamping device can be actuated, but points of engagement for tools need to be provided on the plate cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the tool-based mechanical operation system with a pneumatic actuation system. The pneumatic cylinder with its piston rod directly connects to the toggle lever mechanism, eliminating the need for external tools and points of engagement on the plate cylinder, thus improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through integrated design.
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 hands-free operation during machine conversion, maintains consistent clamping force with minimal variation due to material thickness or wear, and reduces noise and wear on components, ensuring efficient and reliable clamping.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring (47) acting on it and directed towards the toggle lever joint (42)
Implementation Method 2
A pneumatic system with a pressure hose guiding force centrally onto a compression spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for clamping flexible pressure plates by means of lifting elements (39, 40) which are in the form of a knee lifting drive and arranged in a manner parallel to an axis on a lower rail (43). In order to improve the clamping effect, the lower rail (43) is mounted so that it can be moved linearly and radially with respect to the plate cylinder (1) and with respect to an upper rail (44). One or more spring elements (47) acting upon the lifting elements (39, 40) are provided for moving the lower rail into a clamping position by displacing the lifting element (39, 40) into a working position. One or more expandable pneumatic or hydraulic elements (50) for moving the lower rail (43) into an open position by moving the lifting elements (39, 40) from the working position are provided.