Multiple-Orifice Nozzle for Dynamic Rule Profile Creation

Solution Overview

Problem

The die-cutting/creasing industry faces challenges in efficiently creating crease lines and embossments on cardboard, as the quality of crease lines varies based on the direction of the fibers, requiring different rule profiles and complex assemblies that are time-consuming and expensive with traditional steel-rule dies.

Innovation Solution

A surface-adhesive-rule technology (SART) using a multiple-orifice nozzle system that automatically draws flexible, ceramic composite or metallic composite rules onto a die, allowing for various profiles and attributes to be created quickly and efficiently, reducing the need for multiple dies and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional steel-rule dies are used to create crease lines on cardboard, then the crease quality can be maintained, but the production time and cost increase due to the need for different rule profiles and complex assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrease line qualityVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single die body that can accommodate multiple rule profiles through interchangeable rule holders. Instead of creating separate dies for each rule profile, the system uses one versatile die with adjustable holders that can be quickly changed to match different crease requirements, thereby reducing production time while maintaining crease quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics through the interchangeable rule holder system. The rule holders can be dynamically changed based on the specific crease line requirements without replacing the entire die. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to respond to different production needs quickly, reducing the time loss associated with fixed, single-purpose dies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If different rule profiles are used for different cardboard fiber directions, then the crease quality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrease line qualityVSAvoiddie assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single die body that can accommodate multiple rule profiles through interchangeable rule holders. Instead of creating separate dies for each rule profile, the system uses one versatile die with adjustable holders that can be quickly changed to match different crease requirements, thereby reducing production time while maintaining crease quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the die into modular components: a standardized die body and interchangeable rule holders. Each rule holder is a separate, replaceable unit that can be independently selected and changed. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by allowing only the necessary component (the rule holder) to be changed rather than the entire die assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple specialized dies are manufactured for different rule profiles, then the crease quality for specific applications is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrease line qualityVSAvoiddie manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single die body that can accommodate multiple rule profiles through interchangeable rule holders. Instead of creating separate dies for each rule profile, the system uses one versatile die with adjustable holders that can be quickly changed to match different crease requirements, thereby reducing production time while maintaining crease quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the die into modular components: a standardized die body and interchangeable rule holders. Each rule holder is a separate, replaceable unit that can be independently selected and changed. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by allowing only the necessary component (the rule holder) to be changed rather than the entire die assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9545638B2Method and system for a multiple-orifice nozzle

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 HIGHCON SYST

AI summary

A multiple-orifice nozzle that is employed for creating surface-adhesive rules onto the surface of a surface-adhesive die. The multiple-orifice nozzle is fluidly in communication with a source of flexible material that is forced or pulled through a selected orifice profile. The orifice profile can be selected based on a variety of criteria and, in some embodiments the orifice profile can be dynamically adjusted or controlled by adjusting the relative position of the multiple-orifice nozzle and/or by adjusting the position of one or more tubes that define various orifices such that the orifice profile is modified.