Lateral Positioning Device With Detector Lever For Plate Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lateral positioning devices for plate elements in processing machines are limited in detecting abnormal thicknesses, leading to potential jamming issues due to superimposed elements, and are not adaptable to varying thicknesses and stiffnesses of different types of cardboard.

Innovation Solution

A lateral positioning device with a detector lever that measures the thickness of plate elements during positioning, using a rocker mechanism with a support roller and a detection element to detect the presence of multiple elements, and a feed wheel for precise positioning, allowing for both pulling and pushing configurations to accommodate different types of cardboard.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a lateral positioning device uses rollers to grip and move plate elements, then positioning precision is improved, but the risk of marking sensitive surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsurface marking
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a detector lever as an intermediary component between the positioning mechanism and the plate element. This lever detects the presence and thickness of plate elements without requiring direct gripping contact, thereby preventing surface marking while maintaining positioning precision through indirect sensing and control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the positioning device uses fixed gripping surfaces, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying plate thicknesses and stiffnesses decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to varying thicknesses
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a detector lever that can dynamically adjust its position and detection parameters based on the detected plate element characteristics. This dynamic detection mechanism allows the device to adapt to varying plate thicknesses and stiffnesses without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or multiple fixed configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the positioning device operates without thickness detection, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability due to undetected superimposed elements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoiddetection of superimposed elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a detector lever that performs preliminary detection of plate element thickness and presence before the main positioning operation. This preliminary action identifies superimposed elements in advance, allowing the system to prevent jamming incidents before they occur, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

Enables real-time detection of abnormal thicknesses, preventing jamming incidents, minimizing machine downtime, and ensuring precise lateral positioning of various cardboard types without marking their surfaces, thus enhancing machine throughput and adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

a detector lever, articulated with respect to a horizontal axis, and capable in performing a downward movement from a high position to a low position, a first end of the detector lever being arranged to come into contact in the low position with an upper face of the plate element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact measurement:

Implementation Method 2

the support roller being able, at the end of its downward movement, to press the plate element against a shelf of the feed table

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3209585B1Device for the lateral positioning of a plate element comprising means for detecting superposed elements.
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 BOBST MEX SA
  • EP3209585B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3209585B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3209585B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for laterally positioning a plate element (20, 20') in a machine for processing plate elements, comprising a detection lever (130) that is hinged about a horizontal axis and is capable of carrying out a downward movement from a high position to a low position. A first end (132) of the detection lever (130) is arranged so as to come into contact, in the low position, with an upper surface of the plate element (20, 20'). A second end (133) of the detection lever (130) is provided with a target (135) that interacts with a position detector (140) in order to generate a signal dependant on the thickness of the plate element (20, 20') and on the number of plate elements (20, 20') present in the region of the first end (132) of the detection lever (130).