Perforating Apparatus Tape Cushioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional perforating apparatuses require frequent replacement of resin sheets due to punched mark-induced irregularities, leading to waste and increased costs, and complicate the transition to subsequent processes like embroidery, as the resin sheet must be removed and repositioned.

Innovation Solution

A perforating apparatus with a cushioning material feed mechanism that uses a tape-like material wider than the processing area, allowing for downstream feeding and independent replacement without removing the workpiece, reducing waste and maintaining consistent perforation quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a resin sheet is reused multiple times for cushioning material, then cost is reduced, but punched marks cause irregularities that deepen recesses and lead to sheet warping, ultimately deteriorating perforation quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushioning material wasteVSAvoidperforation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cushioning material function into two separate components: a reusable receiving base and a disposable resin sheet. The receiving base retains the punched marks and structural integrity, while the resin sheet is replaced when quality deteriorates. This segmentation allows the expensive receiving base to be reused multiple times while only the cheaper resin sheet needs replacement, reducing overall waste and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving base acts as an intermediary between the punching blade and the workpiece. It absorbs the impact and provides cushioning, while its rigid structure prevents deformation. The resin sheet serves as a sacrificial intermediary layer that can be replaced when punched marks cause quality issues, protecting the expensive receiving base from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the resin sheet is made the same size as the leather sheet to be overlaid in the holder frame, then complete coverage is achieved, but the entire sheet must be discarded even when only the processed area shows wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation qualityVSAvoidcushioning material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cushioning material system into a permanent receiving base and a replaceable resin sheet. The receiving base is sized to match the holder frame and is reused indefinitely, while only the smaller resin sheet portion that contacts the punching blade is replaced when worn. This eliminates the waste of discarding entire large sheets when only small processed areas show wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the resin sheet is removed from the holder frame for subsequent embroidery processes, then the workpiece can be reset, but the process becomes complicated and errors may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess flexibilityVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cushioning material into a permanent receiving base that remains in the holder frame and a removable resin sheet. After perforation, only the resin sheet is removed and discarded, while the receiving base and workpiece remain in place for subsequent embroidery processes. This eliminates the complexity of completely removing and repositioning the workpiece, as only the thin resin sheet needs to be taken off.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If a conventional perforating apparatus is used with a receiving base, then perforation can be performed, but the machine size increases when adding a cushioning material feed mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecushioning material feedingVSAvoidmachine size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cushioning material feed mechanism with the existing holder frame structure. The resin sheet is fed from a roll that is integrated into the holder frame assembly, and the feeding action utilizes the same mechanical movements already present in the perforating apparatus. This integration avoids adding separate bulky feeding mechanisms, keeping the machine compact while enabling automatic cushioning material supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11021823B2Perforating apparatus and embroidery sewing machine with the perforating apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.06.01 TAJIMA IND LTD
  • US11021823B2 patent drawing
  • US11021823B2 patent drawing
  • US11021823B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An embroidery sewing machine including: a perforation head having a plurality of vertically reciprocating bars and punches where each punch includes a perforation head; a receiving base having a receiving member configured to receive the punch; a holder frame for supporting a workpiece in an expanded state between the punch and the receiving base, the holder frame being configured to be controlled to move in two-dimensional planar directions; and a tape feed mechanism feeding a tape-like cushioning material having a wider width than at least a processing area of the punch, wherein the material is fed from the front/rear direction and between the workpiece supported in the holder frame and an upper surface of the receiving member, and wherein an upstream portion of the material is shifted downstream to where the receiving member is located according to the vertically reciprocating motion of the punch.