Dynamic Creasing Mechanism for Flexible Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional creasing machines are either too slow for small production runs or require custom dies, leading to inefficiencies and damage to printed documents, especially with modern ink or toner-based systems, and are not suitable for all creasing applications.
Innovation Solution
A creasing machine with a mechanism featuring first and second creasing members that move in the direction of sheet movement, driven by a system matching their speed to the sheet's speed, allowing for dynamic creasing while the sheet is in motion, and a control system that adjusts speeds for optimal crease placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional platen presses or hand-operated machines are used for creasing, then creases can be formed in documents, but the machine speed is very slow and unsuitable for production runs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the creasing members movable rather than stationary. The first and second creasing members move in the direction of sheet movement, with at least one member being moveable towards the other to produce creases. This dynamic arrangement allows the machine to operate at higher speeds while maintaining effective creasing, resolving the contradiction between creasing quality and production speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If platen presses with custom creasing dies are used, then creasing can be performed, but custom dies are required for each application making the system complex and suitable only for large production runs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through creasing members with adjustable positioning and configuration. The members can be positioned at different locations and adjusted to accommodate various creasing applications without requiring custom dies for each task. This universal design allows a single machine to handle multiple creasing scenarios, eliminating the need for complex custom tooling while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic positioning capability of the creasing members allows them to be adjusted to different locations and orientations as needed. This dynamic adjustability provides versatility for different creasing applications without requiring separate custom dies, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If conventional creasing methods are used on documents with modern ink or toner-based printing, then creases can be formed, but cracking of the printed surface occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic movement of the creasing members in the direction of sheet travel allows for controlled, progressive crease formation. This dynamic approach distributes the creasing force over time and space, reducing peak stresses that cause cracking in printed surfaces. The motion-based creasing is gentler than static pressing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the creasing operation by introducing motion variables - the speed, position, and timing of the creasing members. By controlling these parameters, the creasing force is applied more gradually and uniformly, preventing the sudden stress concentrations that cause ink and toner cracking while still achieving effective creases.
4Reliability
If paper is made static during creasing operation to form creases, then creases can be formed without tearing, but the machine throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by making the creasing members dynamic rather than requiring the paper to be static. The members move with the paper and apply creasing force during motion, achieving both reliable crease formation and continuous paper feed. This eliminates the need to stop the paper for each creasing operation, maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous movement of the paper through the machine while creasing members apply force during motion enables uninterrupted operation. The useful action of creasing continues without interruption as paper passes through, maintaining continuous throughput while ensuring quality creases are formed through controlled dynamic force application.
Data Source
AI summary
A creasing machine (1) for forming creases in sheets (11) of flexible material, said creasing machine (1) including a creasing mechanism (5), a transport mechanism (3) for transporting sheets (11) of material through the creasing mechanism, and a control means (7) for controlling operation of the creasing mechanism (5) and the transport mechanism (3), said creasing mechanism (3) including first and second creasing members (25,27) and a drive mechanism (28) for driving the creasing members (25,27), wherein the creasing members (25,27) are arranged to move in the direction of movement of the sheet (11) and at least one of said creasing members (25,27) is moveable towards the other creasing member (25,27) to produce a crease in a sheet (11) located between those members (25,27), and wherein the control means (7) is arranged to substantially match the speed of movement of the creasing members (25,27) with the speed of the sheet to enable the sheet to be creased while moving.