Printing Form Allocation via Data Matrix Codes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for preparing and arranging printing forms in an offset printing press are inefficient, requiring a large number of forms to be produced sequentially and manually placed on forme cylinders, which is time-consuming and not economically viable to increase production capacity by adding more exposure devices.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system where printing forms are pre-coded with information such as data matrix codes on their suspension legs, allowing for automated identification and arrangement on forme cylinders, using a production planning system to control the process and store forms in a storage device for efficient retrieval and transport, along with a display device to manage and visualize the arrangement process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If printing forms are produced and arranged manually in sequential order, then production accuracy is maintained, but productivity is low and setup time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting form preparation speedVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coding each printing form with its destination position information before the printing process. The forms are prepared in advance with machine-readable codes that contain allocation data, allowing the system to automatically identify and transport them to the correct positions on the forme cylinder without manual intervention during setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical arrangement system with an automated identification and transport system. Code readers optically detect the pre-applied codes on printing forms, and the control system automatically determines transport destinations, substituting human manual placement with automated optical detection and mechanical transport mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If more exposure devices are added to increase production capacity, then productivity improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting form production capacityVSAvoidnumber of exposure devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a single exposure device that can produce printing forms for multiple different positions and purposes. The pre-coding system allows one exposure device to generate forms with various destination codes, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated exposure devices for each printing position or product type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary information system in the form of machine-readable codes on the printing forms. This code-based intermediary carries allocation information that mediates between the single exposure device and multiple destination positions, allowing one device to serve multiple functions through information encoding rather than requiring multiple physical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If printing forms are pre-coded with position information, then automated arrangement is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated form arrangementVSAvoidprinting form production complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies copying by using machine-readable code representations to store and transmit position information. Instead of complex physical markings or manual identification systems, simple coded copies of position data are applied to the printing forms, enabling automated recognition and processing without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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 system significantly reduces the time required to prepare and arrange printing forms, enabling faster setup and operation of the printing press, while maintaining efficiency and reducing the need for additional equipment, thus enhancing productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

each having assigned to it at least one code reader, with the code reader detecting a data matrix code applied to the suspension leg of the printing form

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2138306B1Arrangement for allocating print moulds which are part of a pending production, to positions of a component of a printing press

Publication Date: 2011.09.28 KOENIG & BAUER AG

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AI summary

The arrangement arranges a print mold (1) on a position such as mounting position and storage position, of a component. The print mold has an information field with position elements. The field represents information about an arrangement and/or a work instruction concerning the print mold to be arranged at one of the positions. The elements are grouped corresponding to the positions of the component. Position of another mold is provided adjacent to the former mold with respect to the arrangement of the mold at the position. The field is formed at hook-in-sections (13, 14) of the former mold. An independent claim is also included for a method for arranging print molds at a position of a component of a printing press.