Embossing Device Radial Spacing Adjustment Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embossing devices for Braille characters in folder-gluers lack precise adjustment mechanisms for radial spacing between rotating cylindrical tools, leading to mechanical stresses and variable adjustments, which affect the quality and consistency of embossed characters.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a pushing member to adjust the radial spacing between two rotating cylindrical embossing tools by moving them closer and then a pulling member for fine adjustment, using a pneumatic jack and a threaded rod with an electric drive motor to precisely control the distance between the tools, allowing for adaptation based on the thickness and depth of embossing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a pushing mechanism is used to adjust the radial spacing between embossing tools, then the tools can be moved closer together, but mechanical stresses and deformation occur affecting adjustment precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the adjustment approach by using a pulling mechanism instead of a pushing mechanism. The movable structure is pulled towards the fixed structure using a threaded rod and electric motor assembly, which eliminates the mechanical stresses and deformation associated with pushing while achieving precise radial spacing adjustment between the embossing tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pushing system with an electric motor-driven threaded rod system. This substitution allows for controlled, precise movement through rotational-to-linear conversion, eliminating the forceful mechanical contact that causes stress and deformation in conventional pushing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper structure is made slender to accommodate space constraints, then the device fits within the folder-gluer, but adjustment consistency varies along the length of the structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace accommodationVSAvoidadjustment consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the adjustment system into localized components positioned at strategic points along the movable structure. By placing threaded rods and adjustment mechanisms at specific locations rather than relying on a single slender structure, the system achieves consistent adjustment across the entire length while maintaining compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies adjustment mechanisms at multiple discrete points along the structure rather than attempting uniform adjustment across the entire length. This partial action approach ensures precise control at critical locations while accommodating the space constraints of the folder-gluer environment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Device complexity

If manual adjustment methods are used for radial spacing, then the device structure remains simple, but the quality and uniformity of embossed characters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidembossing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor-driven threaded rod system that provides automated, precise control of radial spacing. This substitution maintains relatively simple device structure while dramatically improving embossing quality through consistent, repeatable positioning of the embossing tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables precise control of the radial spacing parameter between embossing tools through electric motor-driven adjustment. By allowing fine-tuning of this critical parameter, the system achieves high embossing quality and character uniformity while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9840057B2Method for adjusting the radial spacing between two tools, embossing device and folder-gluer provided therewith

Publication Date: 2017.12.12 BOBST MEX SA

AI summary

A radial spacing, between two rotating cylindrical embossing tools, is adjustable, in an embossing device (14) having: an armature (19, 21); a first structure (16, 24, 26, 27, 29) which is movably mounted in translation relative to the armature (19, 21), which has a first rotating cylindrical tool (16); a second structure (17, 22, 28, 31) mounted in a fixed manner on the armature (19, 21) and which is provided with a second rotating cylindrical tool (17). A method includes steps of: pushing (T) on the first structure to move it closer to the second structure by leaning on the armature (19, 21) to adjust a radial space, or pulling (P) on the first structure (16, 24, 26, 27, 29) in order to move it away from the second structure (17, 22, 28, 31) by leaning on the armature (19, 21) in order to finely adjust the radial spacing between the first and the second tools (16, 17).