Modular Printing System Layout Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for personalized printing, paper, and paperboard processing and binding lack flexibility in operation and control, particularly in modulating layouts for specific processes, simplifying operations, and enabling remote digital management, which hinders efficient production and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with automatic sheet feeders, video-monitoring, folding-gluing machines, personalizable printers, sealing machines, and label applicators, managed by an electronic processor with software for remote control, allowing flexible configuration and operation of processing stations for various objects, including three-dimensional items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems for personalized printing, paper and paperboard processing and binding are used, then basic processing operations can be performed, but the systems lack flexibility in modulating layouts for specific processes and in adapting to different production needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in modulating layoutsVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into independent processing stations (feeding station, printing station, folding station, binding station, etc.) that can be individually selected and configured. Each station performs a specific function and can be modularly assembled or disassembled based on production requirements, enabling flexible layout modulation without overwhelming system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components within each processing station, such as variable printing parameters, adjustable folding configurations, and flexible binding options. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different production needs while maintaining a manageable structural framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If conventional systems are used, then processing operations can be carried out, but control and management of the system is difficult and cannot be remotely managed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol and management easeVSAvoidautomatic control capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates control devices at each processing station that provide real-time feedback on operational status, processing parameters, and system performance. This feedback mechanism enables centralized monitoring and remote management, allowing operators to control and adjust the entire production line from a remote location while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed as a universal platform that can manage multiple processing stations with different functions through a single interface. This multi-functional control architecture simplifies operation by providing consistent control methods across diverse processing operations and enables remote management of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional systems are used, then production can proceed, but start-up operations require complex regulations and optimization that are difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidstart-up regulation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pre-configured settings and automated setup routines for each processing station that are established during system installation or previous operations. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex manual optimization during each start-up, allowing rapid deployment of production while maintaining high efficiency through pre-optimized parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional systems are used, then basic processing can be performed, but the systems lack modularity and cannot be easily integrated with existing systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem modularityVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is structured as independent, standardized processing stations that can be individually selected and integrated. Each station has defined interfaces and communication protocols that simplify integration with existing systems, allowing modular assembly without creating overwhelming integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs universal communication interfaces and standardized connection protocols across all processing stations, enabling easy integration with existing production systems. This universality allows the modular components to be seamlessly incorporated into various system architectures without increasing integration complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3331708B1Modular and production system with high flexibility of use and operation, for combined manufacturing of customized print, paper and paperboard processing and binding
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 MASTALIA CARMINE
  • EP3331708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3331708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3331708B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system (1) for personalized printing, paper and paperboard processing, and binding to enable automatic management of simple, special, and mixed operations of paper and paperboard processing and binding, has the particular feature of being of a modular type and hence with high flexibility of use and operation in so far as into said system (1) there may be inserted manufacturing machines or processing stations (A2, A3, B, C, D, E, F, G) that can be allocated therein according to the desired modalities, number, and operating sequence, with the additional possibility of their being replaced with further machines different therefrom so as to obtain a system (1) for personalized printing, paper and paperboard processing, and binding that is completely personalizable, with the maximum flexibility of use and operation according to the needs at the moment of production.