Adjustable Eccentric Support Strips for Book Cover Spine Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for deforming book cover spines are not robust, compact, or easily adjustable for different widths, making them complex and difficult to operate effectively.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring adjustable support strips driven eccentrically and rotatably about a vertical axis, coupled to carriers, with an adjustment mechanism that includes rotary discs and a sliding device for precise control, allowing for simple and effective adjustment of the web width on the book cover spine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional adjustment devices are used for deforming book cover spines, then the device can handle different widths, but the structure becomes complex and difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability for different book cover widthsVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support strips are made dynamically adjustable through eccentric carriers that can rotate about vertical axes. This allows the distance between support strips to be changed by simply rotating the carriers, transforming a complex multi-component adjustment system into a simple rotational movement that directly controls the web width for different book cover sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional deformation devices are used, then book cover spines can be deformed, but the device is not compact and robust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverobustness of deformation deviceVSAvoidcompactness of device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation function and adjustment function are merged into a single integrated device. The support strips serve both to hold the book cover during deformation and to define the web width through their adjustable positioning. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, making the device both compact and robust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into modular components: multiple support strips with individual eccentric carriers that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and robust while the overall system provides versatile adjustment capability through the combination of these modular elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If complex adjustment mechanisms are used, then precise control of web width is achievable, but the device is difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of web width controlVSAvoidease of adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical adjustment systems (such as spindle drives or worm drives) are replaced with an eccentric rotation mechanism. The eccentric carriers translate simple rotational motion into precise linear adjustment of the support strip positions, providing accurate web width control through an operation as simple as rotating a handle or crank.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables robust, compact, and easy operation of the device to deform book cover spines of varying widths, ensuring precise and uniform deformation, suitable for use in book production lines.

Implementation Method 1

support strips in the guide plane are each coupled to two carriers that are spaced apart along their longitudinal extent and are driven eccentrically and rotatably about a vertical axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEccentric rotation: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP2325020B1Device for deforming a book cover spine of a book cover aligned on a book block spine

Publication Date: 2013.06.19 MULLER MARTINI HLDG

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AI summary

A device (1) for deforming a book cover spine (7) of a book cover positioned horizontally and extended, the spine of which is aligned approximately uniformly on a book block spine and may optionally have a spine insert on its inner side, consists of a deformation tool (3) movable onto the inner side of the book cover spine (7) facing the book block spine, lifting the spine between two lateral, opposing forming guide rails (49, 50), forming a ridge (6) on the book cover spine (7), which has two adjacent support strips (4, 5) extending parallel to the forming guide rails (49, 50), which are jointly adjustable to change the mutual distance in order to adjust the width of the ridge of the book cover spine (7) transversely to the longitudinal extension of the forming guide rails (49, 50), such that the support strips (4,5) resting on a tool beam (10) of the deformation tool (3) which has a guide plane on its upper side and are connected to it by force or form locking.