Modular Security Document Production System with Flexible Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional production systems for security and identification documents are inflexible, require significant space, and are inefficient in producing different types of documents, leading to long turnaround times and high waste, especially when operated in centralized facilities with less trained personnel.

Innovation Solution

A modular production system with a transport device that connects all processing steps, allowing raw materials to be fed and removed from any system module in any order, enabling flexible production sequences and reducing the need for extensive space and trained personnel, by using a system control unit to manage the flow and processing of materials through multiple modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional centralized production systems are used, then production capacity is concentrated, but flexibility and response time for different document types deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in producing different document typesVSAvoidturnaround time for document production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The production system is divided into multiple independent production sites, each capable of producing specific document types. This segmentation allows decentralized, parallel production of different document types simultaneously, improving both flexibility and reducing turnaround time compared to centralized batch production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic allocation of production tasks across multiple sites based on current needs. Document production requests can be dynamically routed to appropriate production sites, allowing the system to adapt flexibly to varying document type requirements and reduce waiting time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If conventional production systems are used, then equipment can be maintained separately, but system complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance capability of production equipmentVSAvoidcomplexity of production system architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The production system is segmented into independent modules located at different production sites. Each module can be maintained, repaired, or upgraded independently without affecting other parts of the system, simplifying maintenance while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If centralized production facilities are used, then resource utilization can be optimized, but production time and waste increase for diverse document types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction speed of documentsVSAvoidwaste material in production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Production is segmented across multiple specialized sites, each optimized for specific document types. This allows continuous production runs for each document type at appropriate sites, reducing setup waste and improving overall productivity while minimizing material waste through targeted production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes production parameters by distributing different document types to different production sites based on their capabilities. This parameter change enables each site to operate optimally for its designated document types, improving productivity and reducing waste from suboptimal production conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3500435B1System and method for producing individual value and security documents from starting material pieces
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 BUNDESDRUCKEREI GMBH
  • EP3500435B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3500435B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3500435B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (1) for producing individual value and security documents from starting material pieces (16) in at least two machining steps of a respective individual machining plan, said system being made of the following: (a) system modules (2) which are designed to carry out the at least two machining steps; (b) a transport device (40) which connects the system modules (2); and (c) a system control unit (5) which is designed to control the transport device (40); wherein the system modules (2) are arranged relative to the transport device (40) and the transport device (40) is designed such that the transport device (40) can supply starting material pieces (16) to all of the system modules (2) in any sequence and can discharge starting material pieces (16) from all of the system modules (2) in any sequence. The transport device (40) can be controlled using the system control unit (5) such that the starting material pieces (16) can be supplied to a system module (2) provided for carrying out a machining step. The invention additionally relates to a corresponding method.