Sheet Printing Press Frame Decoupling Vibrations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet-fed printing machines face challenges in processing thick and slightly bendable sheets, such as corrugated cardboard, due to limitations in transport systems and maintaining precise registration during multi-color printing.

Innovation Solution

A modular sheet-fed printing machine design featuring a non-impact coating unit with a conveyor belt that extends parallel to the transport direction, decoupled print heads to mitigate vibrations, and adjustable modules for flexible operation, allowing for precise processing of thick sheets with a flat transport path and horizontal direction alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional transport systems are used for thick sheets, then the structure is simple, but the sheets cannot be transported precisely and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport precisionVSAvoidtransport system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport system is divided into multiple independent conveyor belts, each responsible for a specific section of sheet transport. This segmentation allows each belt to be optimized for precise control while maintaining overall system manageability, resolving the contradiction between transport precision and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Conveyor belts are introduced as intermediary elements between the sheet and the driving mechanism. These belts provide a flexible, controllable interface that enables precise transport of thick sheets without requiring complex direct mechanical coupling, thus improving transport precision while keeping the driving system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If print heads are rigidly mounted to the frame, then the structure is stable, but vibrations affect printing precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting precisionVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient mounting system acts as an intermediary between the print head and the frame, decoupling the rigid connection. This intermediary element absorbs vibrations while maintaining the print head's positional accuracy, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and printing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient mounting system provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing vibrations before they can affect the print head. This proactive vibration isolation ensures printing precision is maintained without requiring complex active vibration control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modules are fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the machine cannot adapt to different printing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule configurabilityVSAvoidmodule system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module positions are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. Modules can be moved along the machine frame to different positions based on printing requirements, providing adaptability without requiring a completely reconfigurable system. This resolves the contradiction between versatility and complexity by implementing selective adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The printing machine is divided into independent, movable modules that can be individually positioned. This segmentation allows each module to be configured for specific functions while maintaining overall system simplicity, as each module operates independently rather than requiring complex inter-module coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3658378B1Sheet printing press having a frame for a sheet conveyor belt
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3658378B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3658378B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3658378B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a sheet-fed printing press (01), wherein the sheet-fed printing press (01) has at least one coating assembly (400; 600; 800) designed as a non-impact coating assembly (400; 600; 800) and wherein the sheet-fed printing press (01) has at least one transport belt (718; 726), which extends having at least one transport section of the circular path thereof parallel to a transport direction (T) along a partial region of a transport path provided for a sheet (02) and wherein at least one coating location (409; 609; 809) of the at least one coating assembly (400; 600; 800) is arranged along the transport section of the at least one transport belt (718; 726) and wherein the at least one printing head (416; 616; 816) is arranged connected to at least one first frame (427; 627; 827) of the at least one coating assembly (400; 600; 800) and wherein the at least one transport belt (718; 726) is arranged connected to at least one second frame (431; 508; 631; 831; 744) via at least one deflection means (724) and at least one radial bearing and wherein the at least one first frame (427; 627; 827), apart from at least one installation surface which is different from the at least one first frame (427; 627; 827) and the at least one second frame (431; 508; 631; 831; 744), is arranged in contact to the second frame (431; 508; 631; 831; 744) at most via flexible connections.