Oscillating Roller Pneumatic Drive Non-Contact Seal

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing oscillating rollers in printing presses face challenges with friction-induced heat generation and additional force requirements due to mechanical contact-based sealing systems, which increase wear and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a pneumatic drive for an oscillating roller with a non-contact sealing system between structural elements, allowing for axial movement without mechanical contact, reducing friction and wear, and enabling efficient oscillation without additional space or maintenance needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical contact-based sealing systems are used in oscillating rollers, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but friction-induced heat generation and wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidfriction-induced heat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sealing systems with a pneumatic sealing system. The oscillating roller uses pneumatic pressure to maintain sealing between the roller outer body and roller inner body without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating friction-induced heat generation and wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to create a pressure differential that maintains sealing between moving parts. The pneumatic drive system pressurizes the interior of the roller outer body relative to the roller inner body, creating an air cushion that prevents direct mechanical contact while maintaining seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If mechanical contact-based sealing systems are used in oscillating rollers, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but additional force requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidadditional force requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sealing systems with a pneumatic sealing system. The oscillating roller uses pneumatic pressure to maintain sealing between the roller outer body and roller inner body without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating friction-induced heat generation and wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to create a pressure differential that maintains sealing between moving parts. The pneumatic drive system pressurizes the interior of the roller outer body relative to the roller inner body, creating an air cushion that prevents direct mechanical contact while maintaining seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If mechanical contact-based sealing systems are used in oscillating rollers, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sealing systems with a pneumatic sealing system. The oscillating roller uses pneumatic pressure to maintain sealing between the roller outer body and roller inner body without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating friction-induced heat generation and wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using compressed air to create a pressure differential that maintains sealing between moving parts. The pneumatic drive system pressurizes the interior of the roller outer body relative to the roller inner body, creating an air cushion that prevents direct mechanical contact while maintaining seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This solution provides a low-cost, low-wear oscillating roller with reduced friction-induced heat generation, requiring less force for operation, thus enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the printing process.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic drive is provided. The pneumatic drive has at least one first chamber which is formed in the interior of the roller, in the manner of a cylinder/piston system between one or more structural elements that are fixed to the roller outer body, and one or more structural elements that are fixed to the roller inner body, and which can be pressurized with compressed air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatics: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the parts that are movable axially relative to one another form a non-contact seal between themselves on their mutually facing sides

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir lubrication: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11186079B2Oscillating roller and printing press having a plurality of printing units that have such a roller

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 KOENIG & BAUER AG

AI summary

A roller for a printing unit of a printing press, has a roller outer body, which is mounted on a roller inner body, so as to be movable axially in a reciprocating manner. For the axial movement of the roller outer body, in at least a first direction, a pneumatic drive is provided. The pneumatic drive has at least one first chamber, which is mounted in the interior of the roller in the manner of a cylinder/piston system between one or more structural elements, that are fixed to the roller outer body, and one or more structural elements that are fixed to the roller inner body. The chamber can be pressurized with compressed air. The parts of the structural elements adjoining the chamber, and that are movable axially relative to one another, form a non-contact seal between themselves on their mutually facing sides.