Movable Bearing Shell for Quick Cylinder Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processing machines, such as printing presses, face challenges in quickly and easily converting between different printing methods and lengths due to the mechanical complexity and additional space requirements of existing solutions for releasable processing cylinders, which limits their versatility and ease of operation across various machine types.

Innovation Solution

A processing machine design featuring a bearing device with a movable bearing shell and side wall that allows for vertical movement, enabling quick release and locking of processing cylinders without mechanical stress, using actuators and a machine controller for automated operation, allowing for seamless conversion between printing jobs and methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator-side bearing is opened to release the processing cylinder, then the processing cylinder can be removed, but the high dead weight of the pressure cylinder causes it to lower on the operating side, creating difficulties when closing the bearing and requiring additional installation space and mechanical complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of processing cylinder removalVSAvoidmechanical complexity of holding device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical holding device with a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that uses gas or liquid pressure to support the processing cylinder. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical support structures while maintaining the ability to hold the heavy cylinder in place during bearing opening and closing operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder to provide the necessary support force for the processing cylinder. This allows the heavy cylinder to be held in position without mechanical complexity, as the fluid pressure system can easily accommodate the weight and provide controlled movement during release and locking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a holding device with one-sided support unit is provided to prevent lowering movement, then the processing cylinder can be held in position, but additional installation space is required in the area of the drive train which is not present in all machine types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of processing cylinder positionVSAvoidinstallation space in drive train area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder provides the necessary support force in a compact form factor that fits within the existing machine structure without requiring additional installation space. The fluid pressure system can generate sufficient force to hold the processing cylinder while occupying minimal space in the drive train area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic support system where the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder can adjust its position and force output as needed. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain processing cylinder stability while adapting to the available space in different machine types, including retrofitting existing machines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the bearing shell is fixed without vertical movement capability, then the structure is simpler, but the operator-side end of the processing cylinder cannot be received properly when lowered due to weight force, causing mechanical stress during locking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of bearing shell structureVSAvoidmechanical stress on processing cylinder
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing shell is designed with dynamic vertical movement capability, allowing it to move downward to receive the lowered operator-side end of the processing cylinder and then move upward to lock it in place. This dynamic movement eliminates mechanical stress during the locking operation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing shell performs a preliminary downward movement to accommodate the weight-induced lowering of the processing cylinder before the locking operation. This preliminary action prevents harmful mechanical stress by ensuring the bearing shell is in the correct position to receive the cylinder end, eliminating the need for forceful alignment during locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables rapid and stress-free conversion of processing cylinders, reducing waste and operational complexity, and is adaptable to a wide range of machine types, enhancing cost-effectiveness and ease of operation.

Implementation Method 1

the operator-side end of the processing cylinder, which is lowered due to the weight force, is received by the bearing shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3235641B1Processing machine with releasable processing cylinder
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
  • EP3235641B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3235641B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining machine (100) for machining a planar substrate (1000) with at least one machining cylinder (1), wherein the at least one machining cylinder (1) has a bearing device (2) on both the drive and operator sides, and wherein the operator-side bearing device (2) has a rotary bearing (3) and a bearing shell (4) for receiving the rotary bearing (3). According to the invention, the bearing shell (4) is mounted on a movable side plate (8), there is at least one guide rail (5) for moving the side plate (8), and the bearing shell (4) is designed to be lowered and raised. This advantageously achieves simple and quick release of the machining cylinder (1) with low mechanical stress on the machining cylinder during closing and locking.