Printing Device Foothold Merging for Compact Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing printing sections in box making machines are lengthy due to the vertical arrangement of printing units, which increases the overall size of the machine and requires more space for installation.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a printing device with a printing cylinder, an ink supply roll, an ink supply section, a first cover that covers the printing cylinder, and a foothold that covers the ink supply roll, allowing for easier maintenance and reducing the total length of the printing section.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If one foothold is provided for each printing unit, then operator accessibility for maintenance is improved, but the total length of the printing section increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidtotal length of printing section
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple footholds are combined into a single common foothold structure that serves all printing units. This foothold is positioned to provide operator accessibility for maintenance activities across the printing section, eliminating the need for separate footholds for each printing unit while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common foothold extends in the width direction of the printing section rather than requiring additional length in the transfer direction. This dimensional approach allows multiple printing units to share a single foothold structure, reducing the total length of the printing section while maintaining operator accessibility.

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

2Reliability

If printing units are disposed vertically with footholds between them, then printing functionality is maintained, but the overall machine size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting functionalityVSAvoidmachine space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple printing units are integrated into a single housing structure with a common foothold, reducing the overall machine footprint. The housing accommodates all printing units in a compact arrangement, maintaining printing functionality while reducing the space required for the entire machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The printing units are nested within the housing structure, with the common foothold providing a compact base for operator access. This nested arrangement allows multiple printing units to be contained within a smaller overall volume, reducing machine size while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4227100B1Printing device, printer, and box-making machine
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND MACHINERY SYST LTD
  • EP4227100B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4227100B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4227100B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printing device, a printing machine, and a box making machine are provided with printing cylinders on which printing plates can be mounted, ink supply rolls that are placed on the upstream or downstream sides of the printing cylinders in a sheet-conveying direction and that can be in contact with the printing cylinders, ink supply units that can supply ink to the ink supply rolls, first covers that cover the upper parts of the printing cylinders in the vertical direction and that can be opened and closed, and footholds that cover the vertically upper parts of the ink supply rolls and that can be operated by an operator.