Modular Sheet Material Processing Tool with Multi-Purpose Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material processing stations and machines require significant reconfiguration efforts when switching between different jobs, leading to high operational costs and inefficiencies due to the need for specific tools and arrangements for each task.
Innovation Solution
A modular sheet material processing tool with multi-purpose interfaces allows for easy exchange of tool elements, enabling the same tool to perform various tasks with minimal reconfiguration, featuring a carrier frame with adjustable ducts and flexible covers for precise product guidance and waste separation, and a support structure for quick tool positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If specific tools and arrangements are used for each task, then processing efficiency for each job is improved, but reconfiguration effort increases significantly when switching jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal carrier frame with standardized mounting interfaces that can accommodate different tool elements for various processing tasks. This multi-functional design allows a single base structure to perform multiple jobs by simply changing the tool elements, thereby maintaining high processing efficiency while significantly reducing reconfiguration effort compared to having separate specialized tools for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing tool is divided into modular components: a permanent carrier frame and interchangeable tool elements. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a stable base structure while replacing only the necessary functional components for each job, reducing reconfiguration effort from complete system reassembly to simple module exchange while preserving task-specific processing efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent job changes are made, then operational flexibility is improved, but reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where tool elements can be quickly exchanged on the carrier frame through standardized interfaces. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables frequent job changes without significant time loss, as the modular design allows rapid attachment and detachment of different tool elements rather than requiring complex reassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier frame is pre-equipped with standardized mounting positions and interfaces that anticipate future tool changes. This preliminary preparation of the base structure eliminates the need for custom adaptation during each job change, allowing operators to simply swap pre-designed tool elements and reducing reconfiguration time while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Reliability
If dedicated tools are used for each processing task, then task performance is improved, but device versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized tool functions into a single integrated carrier frame system. By combining a universal base structure with interchangeable tool elements, the system achieves both the task performance of dedicated tools and the versatility of a multi-functional platform, allowing different processing tasks to be performed by the same physical device through tool element exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier frame serves as a universal platform that can accommodate various tool elements for different processing tasks. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain high task performance for each specific operation while simultaneously providing versatility across multiple job types, resolving the contradiction between specialization and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet material processing tool (14), especially a cardboard or paper processing tool, is described. It comprises a carrier frame (26), having a front frame member (28) extending substantially perpendicular to a processing direction (P) for a sheet material to be processed, a rear frame member (30) extending substantially parallel to the front frame member (28), a first lateral frame member (32) connecting corresponding first ends (28a, 30a) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30) and a second lateral frame member (34) connecting corresponding second ends (28b, 30b) of the front frame member (28) and the rear frame member (30). Furthermore, a first multi-purpose interface (54) is provided for selectively connecting a first tool element for processing the sheet material to the carrier frame (26). Additionally, a sheet material processing station is presented. It comprises a support structure, wherein a sheet material processing tool(14) is connected to the support structure. Moreover, a sheet material processing machine having such a sheet material processing station is explained.