Double Page Sorting Apparatus for Security Document Collation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing book-shaped identification, valuable, or security documents lack efficiency in sorting and collating double pages, leading to inefficiencies in the assembly and production process.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for separating and sorting double pages, featuring a storage device, collecting device, and removal device, which allows for pre-sorting and collation of double pages into trays in a defined sequence, enabling individual production of book-shaped documents with a flexible tab and chip integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If double pages are manually sorted and assembled, then flexibility in sorting is achieved, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidsorting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides double pages into individual separable units that can be independently handled and sorted. Each double page is separated from the stack and can be individually directed to different collecting trays based on sorting criteria, enabling automated yet flexible sorting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting trays are designed to be movable and reconfigurable, allowing dynamic adjustment of sorting destinations. The system can adapt the sorting configuration during operation, enabling flexible sorting sequences while maintaining high-speed automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If double pages are pre-sorted into collecting trays, then sorting precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses multiple collecting trays that can be independently positioned and configured. Each tray serves as a dedicated sorting destination for specific double pages, enabling precise sorting through spatial segmentation rather than complex mechanical sorting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting trays act as intermediary storage elements between the double page separation and final assembly stages. This intermediate sorting stage simplifies the overall system by providing a buffer that organizes pages before final collation, reducing the complexity of direct point-to-point sorting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual production of book-shaped documents is enabled, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual production capabilityVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Double pages are pre-sorted into collecting trays during the separation process, preparing them in advance for individual document assembly. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for time-consuming sorting operations during the individual production phase, enabling rapid fulfillment of custom document requests.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically allocates pre-sorted double pages from collecting trays to different document assembly stations based on real-time production requirements. This dynamic resource allocation enables individualized document production without significant time penalties, as the sorting infrastructure is already in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3515717B1Collating apparatus and method for separating and sorting double pages
Publication Date: 2021.11.03 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3515717B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3515717B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2f
  • EP3515717B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention provides an apparatus (300) for separating and sorting double pages (108) for a book -like identity or security document or document of value (100), wherein the apparatus (300) has the following: - a storage device (304) for supplying and dispensing separated double pages (108), - a collecting device (308) for receiving the double pages (108) from the storage device (304), and - a removal device (356), wherein the collecting device (308) has a plurality of collecting racks (348) for in each case a plurality of double pages (108) dispensed from the storage device (304), wherein the collecting racks (348) have a receiving opening (352) and a dispensing opening (354), wherein the collecting racks (348) can be moved between a starting position and a collecting position, wherein the collecting racks (348) in the starting position are arranged one behind the other in a collecting direction (350), in particular in a single plane, and in the collecting position are arranged one above the other and the dispensing openings (354) are arranged in a plane located perpendicularly to the collecting direction (350), wherein the removal apparatus (356) is designed for removing the double pages (108) from the collecting racks (348) in the collecting position of the collecting racks (348).