Vertically Movable Storage Device for Printing Form Changeover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printing press systems face inefficiencies in changing printing forms, requiring more time and personnel, and often result in unnecessary space constraints and positional accuracy issues during form mounting.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a vertically movable storage device and conveyor system that allows for efficient transport and positioning of printing forms, enabling quick form changes with minimal personnel and maintaining operational space, using a storage device with a carrier structure that allows for space-saving transport and independent vertical transport of new and old forms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional printing press systems are used for changing printing forms, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the time required for form changes increases and personnel requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform change speedVSAvoidform change time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is pre-loaded with multiple printing forms before the form change process begins. The conveyor system prepares and positions forms in advance, so that when a form change is needed, the next form is already ready and can be quickly transferred to the printing cylinder, significantly reducing form change time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A vertically movable storage device with conveyor system is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the printing cylinder. This intermediary system automatically handles form transportation and positioning, eliminating the need for manual form handling and reducing form change time while maintaining simple operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If traditional printing press systems are used for changing printing forms, then the equipment is simple, but more personnel are required for the operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform change efficiencyVSAvoidpersonnel requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device and conveyor system are designed to automatically load, transport, and position printing forms without human intervention during the form change process. The system serves itself by mechanically handling all form transfer operations, reducing personnel requirements while improving form change efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated conveyor system acts as an intermediary that performs form handling tasks that would otherwise require multiple personnel, thereby improving efficiency while reducing the need for human operators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If storage devices are positioned close to printing units for efficient form access, then form mounting speed improves, but space constraints and positional accuracy issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform mounting speedVSAvoidform positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor system serves as a precise intermediary mechanism that bridges the distance between the storage device and the printing cylinder. It maintains accurate form positioning throughout the transport process through controlled movement and precise positioning mechanisms, ensuring that forms are accurately placed on the printing cylinder even when the storage device is positioned optimally for speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device is designed to be vertically movable, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a storage position and a working position. This dynamic positioning enables the system to optimize both form mounting speed and positioning accuracy by moving the storage device close to the printing cylinder only when forms are being transferred

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Area of stationary object

If vertically movable storage device is used for space-saving transport, then operational space is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational spaceVSAvoidstorage and conveyor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device incorporates vertical movement capability, transforming from a static to a dynamic structure. This allows the system to maintain a compact footprint by moving the storage device vertically into position only when needed, optimizing space utilization while managing complexity through purposeful motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vertically movable storage device with integrated conveyor system performs multiple functions: storing multiple forms, automatically conveying them, and precisely positioning them on the printing cylinder. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated unit, managing complexity while maximizing operational space efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3036105B1Method for changing printing plates as well as a printing press with a printing tower and a vertically movably mounted storage device
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3036105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036105B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3036105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a printing machine having a printing tower with a plurality of printing units arranged one above the other and a printing form changeover system having at least one vertically movable storage device for printing forms. According to the invention, a first machine plane, which is associated with one or a plurality of first printing units, is provided. A conveying system which can move the vertically movable storage device from a loading position located in the region of the first machine plane to an advanced position which is vertically spaced apart, is provided. In addition to the vertically movable storage device, an additional storage device which is associated with the first printing unit(s) of the printing tower is provided.