Displaceable Cleaning Device for Web Substrates

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing machines face challenges in effectively cleaning substrates of varying properties and formats due to fixed cleaning device positions and suction forces, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance complexity, particularly in web processing machines where dust and foreign objects can affect print quality.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device in a processing machine is designed to be displaceable between two cleaning states, allowing adjustment of its position and suction force relative to the substrate based on substrate properties and format, enabling both contactless and contact cleaning modes, and adaptable to different substrates and machine speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed cleaning device position and suction force are used, then the cleaning device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively clean substrates of varying properties and formats

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different substratesVSAvoidcleaning device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device is made displaceable between a first cleaning position (spaced apart from substrate) and a second cleaning position (in contact with substrate). The distance between the cleaning device and substrate is adjustable based on substrate properties and format, enabling adaptation to different cleaning requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cleaning device is in constant contact with the substrate, then cleaning effectiveness is maximized, but substrate damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsubstrate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning device can dynamically adjust its position relative to the substrate. In the second cleaning position, it contacts the substrate for effective cleaning. In the first cleaning position, it is spaced apart to avoid damage. This dynamic positioning allows the system to achieve effective cleaning while minimizing substrate damage risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If the cleaning device is fixed in position, then maintenance is simpler, but accessibility for maintenance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance simplicityVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The displaceable cleaning device can be moved to a maintenance position where it is accessible for service. The displacement mechanism allows maintenance personnel to access the cleaning device components more easily while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that doesn't compromise maintenance simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If a single cleaning device handles all substrate types, then device quantity is reduced, but cleaning precision for specific substrates decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of cleaning devicesVSAvoidcleaning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A single cleaning device is designed with multi-functionality to handle different substrate types and formats. The device can be displaced to different positions and adjusted to contact or be spaced apart from the substrate, enabling one device to perform multiple cleaning functions that would otherwise require multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic positioning capability allows the single cleaning device to adapt its cleaning approach for different substrate types, maintaining cleaning precision across various substrates while reducing the total number of cleaning devices required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces scrap rates, increases the variety of substrates that can be processed with a single cleaning device, decreases maintenance complexity, and lowers operating costs by allowing flexible positioning and adaptable suction power, ensuring effective cleaning and improved accessibility for maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

the cleaning device is arranged so as to be able to apply suction force onto the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11724289B2Web processing machine comprising at least one cleaning device for cleaning substrate transported along transport path

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 KOENIG & BAUER AG

AI summary

In some examples, a processing machine has at least one cleaning device for cleaning a substrate. The at least one cleaning device and the at least one substrate are able to be arranged in a first and a second cleaning state, and the substrate is arranged at a distance from the at least one cleaning device in the first cleaning state. The substrate is arranged in contact with the at least one cleaning device in the second cleaning state, and the at least one cleaning device and the substrate are arranged so as to be transferable at least from the first cleaning state into the second cleaning state. The at least one cleaning device is arranged to be adjusted from a first cleaning position in the first cleaning state into a second cleaning position in the second cleaning state.