Multiple-Roller Embosser With Movable Supports for Rapid Pattern Changes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embossing machines lack flexibility, complexity, and efficiency in replacing embossing rollers, limiting their ability to adapt to different production orders and patterns, while also being space-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

An embosser design featuring movable load-bearing structures that support multiple embossing rollers, allowing easy selection and positioning of rollers for various embossing patterns, with integrated pressure rollers and fluid dispensers, enabling compact and versatile operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a revolver system or movable equipment with pairs of embossing rollers is used, then embossing roller replacement is enabled, but the device complexity increases and flexibility remains limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing pattern change capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The embosser is divided into multiple independent workstations, each with its own embossing roller and pressure roller. This segmentation allows each station to be independently configured and operated, enabling flexible adaptation to different embossing patterns without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple embossing rollers are provided, each capable of performing the same embossing function but with different embossing patterns. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle various production orders and patterns by simply selecting different rollers, rather than requiring a single complex reconfigurable roller.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bridge crane and special storage area are used for roller replacement, then roller replacement is possible, but the loss of time and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller replacement capabilityVSAvoidroller replacement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage area for embossing rollers is integrated directly into the embosser structure, merging the storage function with the processing function. This eliminates the need for separate bridge crane operations and external storage areas, allowing rollers to be quickly exchanged at the workstation itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple embossing rollers are pre-installed on the embosser at different workstations or positions. When a pattern change is needed, the system can quickly switch to a pre-positioned roller without requiring time-consuming external retrieval and installation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple embossing rollers are provided on movable load-bearing structures, then operational flexibility increases, but the area and volume of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveembossing pattern selection capabilityVSAvoidembosser footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging multiple embossing rollers in a linear sequence that increases the horizontal footprint, the rollers are arranged vertically or in a compact three-dimensional configuration on movable load-bearing structures. This dimensional reorganization reduces the horizontal area occupied while maintaining the capability to select from multiple rollers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The load-bearing structures supporting the embossing rollers are designed to be movable, allowing the rollers to be dynamically positioned and selected. This dynamic arrangement enables compact space utilization while providing flexible access to multiple rollers as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4373664B1A multiple roller embosser and method for selecting an embosssing roller
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 VALMET TISSUE CONVERTING SPA
  • EP4373664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~1B
  • EP4373664B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4373664B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The embosser comprises two load-bearing structures (3, 5) that are mutually movable to approach and move away from each other. The first load-bearing structure (3) supports a plurality of first embossing rollers (21) that can be selectively brought to an operating position, in which they cooperate with a first pressure roller (23). The second load-bearing structure (5) supports one or more second embossing rollers (51, 61) cooperating with a second pressure roller (53). The two support structures (3, 5) can be moved away from each other to allow the selection movement of the first em-bossing rollers (21).