Printing Plate Unit with Detachable Coupling Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printing plate attachment methods are cumbersome and difficult to accurately attach or detach, requiring significant space for storage due to the cylindrical shape of the used printing plates.
Innovation Solution
A printing plate unit is designed where both ends of the cylindrical printing plate are coupled with a coupling member, with engaging protrusions that allow for easy attachment and detachment by fitting into a circumferential positioning groove and axial stopper, and can be stored flat when not in use, reducing storage space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the printing plate is kept in cylindrical shape after use, then it maintains its structural integrity, but it requires a relatively large storage space
Solution Approach 1:
The printing plate is divided into two functional parts: a reusable cylindrical plate body with engagement structures, and a detachable flat printing surface. After use, the printing surface can be removed and stored flat, while the plate body maintains its cylindrical shape for structural stability. This segmentation allows the printing plate to occupy minimal storage space when not in use.
2Ease of operation
If the sheet-like printing plate is wound around the plate cylinder, then it can be attached to the printer, but the operation becomes cumbersome and accurate attachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The printing plate incorporates self-aligning engagement structures including engagement protrusions on the plate body that automatically fit into corresponding grooves on the printing surface, and a positioning stopper that ensures precise axial positioning. When the printing surface is wrapped around the plate cylinder, these structures automatically guide and secure the plate in the correct position without requiring complex manual alignment operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plate cylinder is detached from the plate driving shaft for printing plate replacement, then the printing plate can be changed, but it is difficult to detach/attach due to the heavy weight of the plate cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three independent components: the heavy plate cylinder fixed to the driving shaft, the detachable printing plate assembly, and the printing surface. This allows replacement of only the lightweight printing plate and assembly rather than the entire heavy plate cylinder, making plate changes easy while maintaining the structural integrity of the driving mechanism.
4Manufacturing precision
If engagement structures are provided on the printing plate for accurate positioning, then accurate attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Engagement structures are provided only at specific critical locations on the printing plate and plate body rather than distributed throughout. The engagement protrusions are located at the circumferential edges for radial positioning, and the positioning stopper is located at the axial end for axial positioning. This localized approach achieves accurate positioning while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
To attach a printing plate to a printer readily and accurately, and avoid necessity of a large space for the storage of the printing plate. A printing plate unit 1 includes a printing plate 3 in which a plate section 9 is provided on a part of a front surface of a sheet 8 made of an elastic material and engaging protrusions 10 that protrude toward a back surface and extend in a width direction are provided at both longitudinal ends, and a printing plate coupling member 4 that is detachable from the printing plate 3 and couples both the engaging protrusions 10 of the cylindrical printing plate 3 to each other to keep the cylindrical shape of the printing plate 3.