Dual Web Winder Synchronization for Duplex Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital web presses for duplex printing are costly and have a large footprint due to the need for two separate press sections, which doubles the equipment cost and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dual web winder device that synchronizes the unwinding and rewinding of web media on two core shafts, allowing for simultaneous printing on both sides of the media using a single press section, reducing the number of components and cost by eliminating the need for separate rewinding units and minimizing the overall footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two separate press sections are used for duplex printing, then printing on both sides of web media is achieved, but equipment cost and footprint are doubled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduplex printing capabilityVSAvoidnumber of press sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the unwinding and rewinding functions into a single integrated press section. The first core shaft unwinds web media while the second core shaft simultaneously rewinds the printed media, allowing duplex printing without requiring two separate press sections. This combining of functions reduces equipment complexity and footprint while maintaining adaptability for both simplex and duplex printing modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate press sections are used for duplex printing, then printing on both sides of web media is achieved, but equipment cost is doubled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduplex printing capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single press section is designed with multi-functionality to perform both simplex and duplex printing. By incorporating synchronized core shafts that can operate in different modes, the system achieves universal functionality without requiring duplicate equipment, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability for various printing applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single press section is used with synchronized core shafts, then equipment cost and footprint are reduced, but simultaneous unwinding and rewinding synchronization is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of press sectionsVSAvoidsynchronization control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback control mechanisms to monitor and adjust the rotation speeds of the first and second core shafts. By continuously monitoring the unwinding and rewinding processes and providing feedback to the drive systems, the patent achieves precise synchronization without requiring complex automated control systems, thus reducing device complexity while managing the extent of automation needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8240843B2Media roll winder for digital web press

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A dual web winder device for a web press includes a pair of drive motors and a pair of shafts. Each shaft is coupled to one of the drive motors and configured to carry a roll of web media. The shafts and drive motors are synchronized to simultaneously unwind a first roll of web media from one shaft and rewind a second roll of web media on the other shaft.