Numbering Wheel Position Control via Electronic Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing numbering devices for securities, such as banknotes, face challenges in accurately and efficiently controlling the position of independently-driven numbering wheels due to external factors like friction, requiring complex and costly actuation mechanisms that are not flexible enough to handle non-multiple-of-ten or non-multiple-of-twenty-five security prints.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that electronically regulate the position of numbering wheels using brush-less DC motors with electronic commutation and a five-phase actuation principle, compensating for external factors by monitoring and correcting the position of each wheel to ensure precise targeting, and utilizing a mechanical indexing mechanism for locking the wheels in place during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanically-actuated numbering devices are used with sequential actuation, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to handle non-multiple-of-ten or non-multiple-of-twenty-five security prints is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical actuation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. Each numbering wheel is equipped with an electromagnetic actuator that can independently and selectively position the wheel to any target position without requiring complex mechanical linkages or sequential actuation mechanisms. This substitution enables flexible adaptation to various print configurations while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the numbering device into independent modular units, with each numbering wheel having its own electromagnetic actuator. This segmentation allows each wheel to be controlled independently, enabling the system to handle non-multiple-of-ten or non-multiple-of-twenty-five security prints by selectively actuating only the necessary wheels to their required positions, rather than requiring complex coordinated mechanical actuation of all wheels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electromagnetic actuators are used to selectively block numbering wheels, then the adaptability to arbitrary numbering positions is achieved, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed actuation of the electromagnetic actuators rather than continuous operation. The actuators are activated only when a numbering wheel needs to be repositioned, and deactivated when the wheel is in the correct position. This periodic action pattern significantly reduces energy consumption and heat generation compared to continuous electromagnetic engagement, while maintaining the ability to achieve arbitrary numbering positions on demand.
3Measurement precision
If numbering wheels are continuously monitored and corrected for position, then the precision is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the position of each numbering wheel is continuously monitored by position detection means (such as encoders or sensors). The detected position information is fed back to the control system, which compares the actual position with the target position and activates the electromagnetic actuator only when correction is needed. This feedback mechanism achieves high positioning precision while keeping the control system relatively simple by acting only when necessary rather than requiring complex continuous control.
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
Ensures robust, fast, and precise control of numbering wheels, reducing energy consumption and maintaining accuracy despite external influences, allowing for efficient and flexible numbering across various print configurations without the need for complex mechanical actuation.
Implementation Method 1
brush-less DC motors with electronic commutation
Implementation Method 2
external factors like friction
Data Source
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AI summary
There is described a method for controlling the position of numbering wheels (7) of a numbering device (1 ), which numbering device (1 ) is of the type comprising a plurality of independently-driven numbering wheels (7) disposed adjacent to one another for rotation about a common rotation axis, the method comprising actuating the numbering wheels (7) between successive numbering iterations, whereby each numbering wheel (7) which has to be rotated to a new target position is driven into rotation until it reaches its new target position. The method further comprises, at least during actuation of the numbering wheels (7), compensating for external factors acting on the numbering wheels (7), such as friction induced by adjacent rotating numbering wheels, by electronically regulating the position of each numbering wheel (7) which is not rotated or which has reached its new target position. Also described is a device for carrying out this method.