Cutting and Stamping Device with Common Upper Knife Bridge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for trimming and punching products, such as brochures, require multiple steps and machines for edge trimming, double blank separation, and special punching, leading to inefficiencies and increased processing time.

Innovation Solution

A device with a common upper knife bridge that can be operated in a lifting movement, allowing for simultaneous three-sided trimming, double blank separation, and special punching in three processing stations, using knives and tools attached to the bridge for edge trimming, head and foot trimming, and special punching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate machines are used for edge trimming, double blank separation, and special punching, then each operation can be performed with dedicated tools, but the processing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation qualityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate machines (edge trimming machine, double blank separation machine, and special punching machine) into a single integrated device. The upper knife bridge carries knives for edge trimming, double blank separation, and special punching tools simultaneously, allowing all operations to be performed in one pass through three processing stations, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining operation quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The upper knife bridge is designed as a universal carrier that can hold and operate multiple different tools for different functions (edge trimming knives, separation knives, and special punching tools) simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform multiple operations that previously required separate dedicated machines

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate machines are used for different operations, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunction specializationVSAvoidnumber of machines
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate machines into one integrated device with a common upper knife bridge that carries all necessary tools. The device includes three processing stations with corresponding knives and tools attached to the upper knife bridge, reducing the number of separate machines from three to one while maintaining specialized functionality for each operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple processing steps are used for trimming and punching operations, then each step can be performed with stationary tools, but the processing time and loss of time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting accuracyVSAvoidprocessing cycle time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous processing by moving the product through three processing stations in sequence, with each station performing its operation while the product is in motion. The upper knife bridge moves synchronously with the product, allowing edge trimming, double blank separation, and special punching to be performed continuously in one pass rather than in separate stationary steps, thereby reducing processing cycle time while maintaining cutting accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2335887B1Cutting and stamping device
Publication Date: 2017.09.06 MULLER MARTINI HLDG
  • EP2335887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2335887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2335887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device comprises a common upper knife carrier, which is operated in a stroke movement. A knife is attached at the upper knife carrier for head cutting (10), foot cutting (9), and front edge cutting (6) of the products (16). The device has a cutting station (17) for the front edge cutting and another cutting station (18) for the head and foot cutting. The device has a third cutting station (19), in which special punching is provided by a special punching tool (15) at the products. An independent claim is also included for a method for finishing of bound or attached products of paper sheets.