Embossing Registration in Decorative Flooring via Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for registering embossing on transparent PVC decorative materials with patterns on printed layers are inefficient, costly, and result in repetitive patterns, failing to accurately align embossing with natural material properties due to high energy consumption and manual alignment errors.

Innovation Solution

A rolling method and device that adjust feeding tension and position to dynamically correct longitudinal deviations between embossed and printed patterns during hot rolling, ensuring precise registration of embossing on transparent PVC layers with continuous unit patterns, using sensors to measure deviations and control tension for real-time adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the traditional lamination method is used to register embossing with patterns, then the embossing can be aligned with the pattern, but the production efficiency is low and the cost is high due to requiring multiple pressing plates and manual alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lamination pressing system with a rolling system that uses continuous motion and tension control. Instead of using multiple pressing plates and manual alignment, the invention employs rollers with controlled feeding tension to continuously feed the transparent plastic layer, achieving both high precision alignment and high production efficiency through automated mechanical control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic tension control during the rolling process. The feeding tension of the transparent plastic layer is adjusted in real-time based on the position detection feedback, allowing the system to adapt to variations in material properties and maintain precise alignment throughout continuous production, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the traditional lamination method is used to register embossing with patterns, then the embossing can be aligned with the pattern, but the energy consumption is high due to requiring large numbers of pressing plates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the energy-intensive mechanical pressing plate system with a low-energy rolling system. Instead of using multiple heavy pressing plates that require significant hydraulic or mechanical pressure, the invention uses continuous rolling with controlled tension, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining alignment precision through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment operation is used to align patterns on pressing plates, then the embossing can be registered with patterns, but the workload is heavy and accuracy is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the position of patterns on the transparent plastic layer in real-time during the rolling process. This position information is fed back to the tension control system, which automatically adjusts the feeding tension to maintain precise alignment, eliminating manual alignment operations and achieving both high accuracy and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment through automated detection and tension control. The position detection device continuously monitors pattern positions, and the control system automatically adjusts feeding parameters without human intervention, making the operation simple while maintaining high alignment accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If fixed length pieces are produced, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the patterns are repetitive and do not comply with natural material properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidpattern variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous production of long decorative materials with varied patterns by maintaining continuous rolling and feeding operations. The system can produce materials of any length without stopping to reposition or realign patterns, and the continuous motion allows for non-repetitive pattern sequences that simulate natural materials like wood grain, while keeping the manufacturing process simple through automated control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method significantly enhances production efficiency, reduces costs and energy consumption, and allows for continuous length production with varied cutting positions, achieving high simulation effects and compliance with natural material properties.

Implementation Method 1

a rolling step of hot rolling an embossing on the transparent plastic layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

adjusting a feeding tension of the printed plastic layer according to the longitudinal deviation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS20250018639A1Long decorative material with embossing in register with pattern and rolling method and device therefor
Publication Date: 2025.01.16 UNILIN BVBA
  • US20250018639A1 patent drawing
  • US20250018639A1 patent drawing
  • US20250018639A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method is provided for manufacturing flooring planks including a plastic base and an image plastic layer. The method includes a feeding step of feeding a layered raw material of a long decorative material to be rolled into oppositely rolling rollers; and a rolling step of hot rolling an embossing on the transparent plastic layer. A feeding tension of a printed plastic layer is adjusted according to a longitudinal deviation between the embossing and the pattern in the rolling step. The device includes a first feeding device, a second feeding device, the oppositely rolling rollers, a detecting device, and a tension controller disposed on the second feeding device. According to the long decorative material with the embossing in register with the pattern manufactured by the method, the embossing hot-rolled on the transparent plastic layer is in register with the pattern on the printed plastic layer.