Inclined Abutment Surface for Stable Book Block Binding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bookbinding machines face issues with unstable binding due to insufficient curing of adhesive, leading to damage during block handling, and require manual intervention which reduces throughput and poses safety risks to operators.

Innovation Solution

A binding machine design that maintains the bound block in a stable position using inclined handling and abutment surfaces, preventing overturning and allowing safe automatic pick-up, with a configuration that includes a horizontal supporting plane and longitudinal guide for handling means to ensure the block remains secure and upright throughout the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the block is placed in vertical position for binding, then the binding process can be completed, but the adhesive is not sufficiently cured and the binding becomes unstable causing damages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding process completionVSAvoidbinding stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional vertical positioning of the block during binding. Instead of keeping the block vertical with the back facing upward, the block is positioned with the back facing downward and the cover facing upward. This inversion allows the adhesive to be applied to the back and immediately pressed against the cover, ensuring sufficient curing while preventing the block from overturning or opening during the binding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If manual pick-up is used to prevent damage, then binding integrity is preserved, but throughput decreases and operator safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding integrityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the bound block automatically assumes a stable position after binding due to the inverted configuration. The block's own weight and the positioning structure work together to maintain stability without requiring manual intervention. This allows automatic pick-up by subsequent handling means, increasing throughput while preserving binding integrity through the stable positioning that prevents damage during transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the block remains in vertical position, then the binding process continues, but the block weight applies pressure on the back causing partial damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding process continuityVSAvoidback damage from weight pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the block position so that the back faces downward rather than upward. This inversion relocates the weight-bearing surface from the back to the cover and bottom surfaces, eliminating the harmful pressure on the back caused by the block's weight. The back is now supported by the adhesive bond to the cover rather than bearing the full weight, preventing deformation and damage while maintaining continuous binding process operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

The machine ensures stable binding integrity and increased throughput by preventing damage from improper handling and allowing safe, automatic positioning and pick-up of bound blocks, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

with which the bound block can assume a stable position, in which it is held by gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2629982B1A binding machine for binding blocks of sheet elements

Publication Date: 2014.08.27 K G S

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AI summary

A binding machine for binding blocks (B) of sheet elements (F) comprises a supporting base defining a horizontal plane (p), handling means (3) for handling one block (B) which have a lateral abutment suface (4) for a first side face (F1 ) of the block (B), longitudinal guide means (5) for slidably guiding the handling means (3) between a first end position (6) for engaging the block (B) to be bound and a second end position (7) for releasing the bound block (B), a distribution head (8) for distributing an adhesive to the back (D) of the sheet elements (F). The lateral abutment surface (4) is inclined at a first angle (a) of predetermined value to the horizontal plane (p) at least at the second end position (7).