Digital Tool Preparation via Projection and Liquid Dressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet processing machines face challenges in efficiently compensating for machining tolerances and wear during punching and creasing processes, leading to uneven results and the need for manual preparation with trimming sheets, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for preparing processing tools using digital data to project and apply dressing agents directly onto the tools, eliminating the need for trimming sheets, and utilizing automated systems for precise application and curing, such as UV varnishes or inkjet inks, to achieve accurate and rapid tool preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual preparation with trimming sheets is used to compensate for machining tolerances, then tool preparation can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool preparation precisionVSAvoidpreparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of applying trimming sheets with an automated system that uses digital data to control the application of dressing agents. The system automatically determines preparation areas from digital machining contour data and applies dressing agents precisely where needed, eliminating manual measurement and physical sheet handling.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copies of the machining contour to guide the preparation process. Instead of physically measuring and marking the tool, the system creates a digital representation of the machining contour and uses this copy to automatically identify and treat preparation areas, improving precision while reducing manual intervention time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If trimming sheets are used for tool preparation, then machining tolerances can be compensated, but material costs and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool preparation precisionVSAvoidmaterial consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and form of the preparation material from solid trimming sheets to liquid or aerosol dressing agents. This parameter change allows for much smaller material quantities to be used, as the dressing agents can be applied in thin, controlled layers directly to the tool surfaces that require preparation, eliminating the need for bulk material storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential function of trimming sheets (compensating for height differences) and separates it from the unnecessary components (physical sheets, adhesive tapes). The core preparation function is achieved through digitally-controlled application of dressing agents, removing the need for material storage and handling infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional adhesive tapes or sheets are used for preparation, then tool defects can be compensated, but the process lacks automation and requires manual handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool preparation precisionVSAvoidpreparation automation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback from digital machining contour data and inspection results to automatically guide the preparation process. The system receives data about the tool's actual state, compares it with the required specifications, and automatically adjusts the application of dressing agents to compensate for detected deviations, creating a closed-loop automated preparation system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction by automatically analyzing the machining contour data, identifying preparation areas, and applying dressing agents without human intervention. The automated system serves itself by using the digital representation of the tool to guide its own preparation process, eliminating manual measurement and application tasks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This approach simplifies and speeds up the preparation process, reduces labor and material costs, and ensures precise, scratch-resistant, and temperature-resistant dressing layers, improving the efficiency and quality of sheet processing without the need for manual handling and storage of trimming sheets.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one preparation medium is cured by at least one UV irradiation device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

at least one blasting device, in particular two or four, arranged to blast the support surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBlasting:

Data Source

PatentEP4182134B1Processing tool for a machine for cutting out blanks and method for make ready the tool
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP4182134B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4182134B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4182134B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a processing tool of a sheet processing device (01), having at least one adjustment point (358), at least one adjustment means (361) being arranged at the at least one adjustment point (358) for rectifying errors and/or compensating deviations of the tool geometry of the processing tool (301). The adjustment means is liquid when applied. At least one projection device (353) projects a digital processing contour onto the rear of the processing tool (301) and/or on a side of the processing tool (301) facing away from the processing contour when the at least one adjustment means (361) is applied.