Post Print Machine Conversion via Central Control Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing production plants for post print processing require lengthy conversion times between production orders, leading to inefficient operation and high costs due to the need for redundant machines and manual intervention, especially when digital printing presses can be restarted quickly but subsequent post print processing machines take longer to convert.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a plant central control unit to coordinate the conversion of post print processing machines by determining when the last partial product of a production order has left a machine, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic conversion of machines into segments that can be quickly reconfigured to meet new production order specifications, reducing conversion time and minimizing interruptions between orders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If post print processing machines are converted manually between production orders, then conversion can be performed with simple equipment, but conversion time is lengthy and productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconversion timeVSAvoidconversion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The post print processing machines perform their own conversion automatically based on control signals from the plant central control unit. The machines self-adjust their parameters and configurations without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing conversion time while maintaining relatively simple system architecture through automated self-service capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical conversion operations are replaced by an automated control system. The plant central control unit transmits electronic control signals to the machines, which automatically adjust their parameters and configurations, substituting human mechanical operations with automated electronic control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If post print processing machines are configured for each production order, then processing specifications are met accurately, but conversion between orders requires long standstill time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction continuityVSAvoidstandstill time during conversion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The plant central control unit prepares conversion parameters and control signals in advance before the current production order is completely processed. This preliminary preparation allows the machines to transition quickly to the next configuration without extended standstill time, maintaining production continuity while meeting processing specifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated conversion system enables continuous operation by minimizing idle time between production orders. The machines maintain operational status throughout the conversion process through automated parameter adjustments, eliminating complete stoppages and ensuring continuous useful action across order transitions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If digital printing press operates inline with post print processing, then overall production efficiency is improved, but conversion of post print processing machines becomes the bottleneck

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall production efficiencyVSAvoidconversion operation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The post print processing machines automatically perform conversion operations based on control signals from the plant central control unit. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual conversion operations, making the conversion process easier while maintaining the high production efficiency enabled by inline operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The machine control units provide feedback to the plant central control unit regarding their operational status and conversion completion. This feedback mechanism enables coordinated control of the inline production system, ensuring that post print processing machines convert efficiently without becoming a bottleneck, thereby maintaining overall production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9323489B2Method and device for conversion of a production plant for the post print processing

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 MULLER MARTINI HLDG

AI summary

A method and device for the conversion of a production plant for the post print processing, which production plant includes several post print processing machines and a plant central control unit. The method and device may be used for successively processing different production orders for turning partial products into finished print products. According to the method, it may first be determined when a last partial product of a first production order has left a post print processing machine. The post print processing machine may then be automatically and/or semi-automatically converted by the plant central control unit. The method may include determining, by the plant central control unit, when the conversion of the post print processing machine has been completed.