Rotary Printing Press Strip Width Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for checking the strip width of press strips in printing presses are inefficient and require additional equipment, limiting the ability to ensure consistent print quality across multiple printing units.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing existing optoelectronic devices, such as cameras, to capture and evaluate the strip width of press strips formed between rotating bodies in a printing press, allowing for simultaneous control and adjustment of strip width across multiple units without additional installation space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional measuring devices are installed to monitor press strip width, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepress strip width measurementVSAvoidadditional equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing optoelectronic devices (cameras, sensors) to serve dual purposes: their original function for print quality monitoring and an additional function for press strip width measurement. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated measuring devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing optoelectronic measurement capabilities to monitor press strip width, rather than requiring external or additional specialized equipment. The printing press's built-in optoelectronic devices perform self-measurement for both print quality and press strip parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate measuring devices are used for each printing unit, then measurement coverage is improved, but installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-unit measurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A single optoelectronic device is configured to monitor multiple printing units sequentially, allowing one device to perform the function of multiple devices. The device captures images or data from different printing units at different times, providing comprehensive multi-unit measurement capability without requiring simultaneous installation of separate devices for each unit.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the measurement functions for multiple printing units into a single integrated optoelectronic device. Instead of having separate measuring devices for each printing unit, one device is used to monitor all units, merging the measurement functionality and eliminating the need for multiple installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If dedicated press strip measurement equipment is installed, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes less adaptable to existing press configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip width controlVSAvoidcompatibility with existing equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The solution enhances existing optoelectronic devices to perform both their original functions and press strip width measurement, making the system adaptable to existing press configurations without requiring dedicated new equipment. This maintains compatibility while adding measurement precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces potential mechanical or specialized measuring systems with optoelectronic measurement methods. By using optical sensors and cameras already present in the printing press, the system achieves precise press strip width control through non-contact optical measurement, enhancing adaptability to existing configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient and simultaneous monitoring and adjustment of strip widths, improving print quality and reducing the need for additional equipment, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the printing process.

Implementation Method 1

creating an image of the respective color stripe by means of an optoelectronic device arranged in the rotary printing press

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3439885B1Method for controlling the width of a pressure strip between two rotating bodies of a printing unit
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 KOENIG & BAUER AG
  • EP3439885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3439885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3439885B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for checking at least one press strip in terms of the respective strip width thereof, wherein the press strip in question is formed by two rotary bodies arranged against one another in a printing system (05; 06) of a rotary printing machine, by positioning a first rotary body against a second rotary body, wherein a respective colour strip is formed in the region of the respective press strip, wherein a recording of the respective colour strip is created in that: a) the respective colour strip formed on the casing surface of the second rotary body is photographically recorded by an optoelectronic device that is designed as a camera (92) of a printing plate detection system and directed towards the casing surface of the second rotary body; or b) the respective colour strip, formed on the casing surface of the second rotary body and transferred to a substrate (B) by means of a third rotary body positioned on said second rotary body, is photographically recorded by an optoelectronic device that is designed as a camera (86) of an in-line inspection system and directed towards said substrate (B).