Media Handling System Separating Adhered Printing Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automation of printing plate handling in computer-to-plate systems is hindered by the delicacy of modifiable surfaces, leading to issues with slip-sheet removal and storage, as conventional methods result in system errors, reduced throughput, and increased complexity due to electrostatic attraction and air expulsion between sheets.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that grip and bend the uppermost media combination in a media stack, using a picker and flexing member to separate adhered sheets, allowing for simultaneous removal and storage of slip-sheets without damaging the printing plates, improving handling efficiency and reducing system errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sequential picking methods are used to remove slip-sheets and printing plates, then the delicate modifiable surfaces are protected from damage, but system throughput is reduced and handling time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media combination is separated into distinct components (printing plate and slip-sheet) through a single picking action, with the picker gripping only the printing plate while the slip-sheet is simultaneously separated and directed to different destinations, enabling parallel processing without sequential handling
Solution Approach 2:
A separation plate acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the division of the media combination into its components, providing a physical barrier that directs the slip-sheet away from the printing plate during the picking operation
2Reliability
If additional sheets are secured to prevent accidental removal during slip-sheet separation, then separation reliability is improved, but system throughput is further reduced due to additional handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The slip-sheet is extracted from the media combination during the picking operation itself, rather than requiring a separate securing step, by using the separation plate to direct it away while the picker grips only the printing plate
Solution Approach 2:
The media combination itself provides the separation function through its structure, where the slip-sheet's physical properties and positioning allow it to be naturally separated from the printing plate during the picking action without additional intervention
3Length of moving object
If fixed separation plates are used in conventional methods, then separation is achieved over limited travel distance, but the method fails when sheets are strongly adhered due to electrostatic attraction or air expulsion
Solution Approach 1:
The picker and separation plate are positioned and moved dynamically during the picking operation, allowing the separation plate to effectively intercept and direct the slip-sheet at the optimal moment when the media combination is being lifted, overcoming strong adhesion forces through timely mechanical intervention
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
Enhances the reliability and throughput of media handling systems by effectively separating adhered sheets during plate removal, reducing the risk of damage to the printing plates and optimizing storage by maintaining sheets in a planar form, thus reducing storage space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
gripping the first combination of media
Implementation Method 2
bending the first combination of media along a second axis by moving a flexing member into contact with the first combination of media
Implementation Method 3
the slip-sheet becomes adhered to a surface of the adjacent plate by physical mechanisms that can include electrostatic attraction
Implementation Method 4
the expulsion of air between the surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus separating a media combination from a stack of interleaved slip-sheets and printing plates and relates to image recording systems such as, for example, computer-to-plate (CTP) systems. Image recording systems include imaging systems that image an image recordable material in response to imaging information. Image recordable materials can include, for example, printing plates. Image recording systems can include integrated systems that additionally process the image forming materials. Additional processing can include, but is not limited to materials punching, materials bending, exposure to non-imaging radiation, chemical development and materials drying. The present invention relates to a materials handling system that separates a media combination from a media stack that includes image recordable materials. A slip-sheet separates each of the image recordable materials from one another in the media stack. The image recordable materials removed from the stack are subsequently imaged and optionally additionally processed. The slip-sheets removed from the stack are stored in a slip-sheet holder.