Modular Sheet-Fed Printing Press With Non-Impact Cover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet-fed printing machines face challenges in handling thick sheets and maintaining precise registration, especially with non-impact printing methods like inkjet, due to limitations in transport systems and drive mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A modular sheet-fed printing press design with independently driven modules, including non-impact coating and drying units, featuring a flat transport path and suction transport means, allows for precise control and handling of thick sheets while ensuring accurate registration and efficient processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional transport systems are used, then the printing press can handle standard sheets, but it cannot effectively handle particularly thick sheets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different sheet thicknessesVSAvoidtransport reliability for thick sheets
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The printing press is divided into multiple independently driven modules, each capable of handling sheets individually. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for specific sheet thickness ranges, improving overall adaptability while maintaining reliable transport for thick sheets through dedicated module design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transport system employs dynamically adjustable rollers and suction mechanisms that can adapt their parameters based on sheet thickness. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain reliable transport across varying sheet thicknesses by optimizing contact pressure and suction force for each specific case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If non-impact printing methods are used, then printing flexibility is improved, but registration precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting method flexibilityVSAvoidregistration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates registration detection and feedback mechanisms that monitor the position of sheets during transport through independently driven modules. This feedback allows real-time adjustment of module speeds and positions to compensate for variations, maintaining high registration precision despite using flexible non-impact printing methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical impact printing with non-impact methods like inkjet or electrophotography, while compensating for precision losses through electronically controlled independently driven modules that use sensors and feedback loops to maintain accurate sheet positioning and registration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a flat transport path is used, then sheet deformation is reduced, but the complexity of the transport system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet shape stabilityVSAvoidtransport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flat transport path is achieved through segmentation into multiple independently driven modules, each with its own flat transport surface. This segmentation allows the system to maintain sheet stability across the entire transport path while managing complexity through modular design, where each module is a manageable unit with standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 modular design enables the processing of thick sheets with minimal deformation and achieves high machining precision, supporting flexible and efficient printing operations across various sheet thicknesses and materials.

Implementation Method 1

suction transport means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3463914B1Sheet-fed printing press
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3463914B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3463914B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3463914B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a sheet-fed press (01), wherein the sheet-fed press (01) comprises at least two units (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 550; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000) embodied as modules (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 550; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000) and wherein the at least two modules (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 550; 600; 700; 800; 900; 000) respectively comprise at least one individual drive (M100; M200; M300; M400; M401; M500; M550; M600; M601; M700; M800; M801; M900; M1000), which is used to transport a sheet (02) through said respective module (100; 200; 300; 400; 00; 550; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000) and/or through at least one active region of the respective module (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 550; 600; 700; 800; 900;1000) and wherein, at least one of the at least two modules (500: 600) is designed as non-impact cover module (600), at least one additional module of the at least second module (100; 200; 300; 400; 500; 550; 600; 700; 800; 900; 1000) comprises at least one drying system (500) or drying system (506), ans the sheet-fed press (01) comprises a transport path for transporting the sheets (02) and at least the section of the transport path provided for the sheets (02) and secured by the non impact cover module (600) extends at least essentially flat and/or essentially horizontally.