Printing Machine Adjustable Transfer Device Stroke

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printing machines are mechanically complex and have low printing rates, and their transfer devices are not adaptable for printing objects of different sizes and shapes without requiring adjustments in the relative positions of conveyors and printing stations.

Innovation Solution

The printing machine incorporates an adjustable transfer device with a drive plate, slide, and link system that allows for adjusting the stroke of the transport bucket's displacement without moving the conveyor positions, enabling the machine to handle objects of varying sizes and shapes without altering the supply and evacuation conveyor positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transfer device with fixed stroke is used, then the machine structure is simple, but it cannot handle objects of different sizes and shapes without moving conveyor positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different object sizes and shapesVSAvoidcomplexity of transfer device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer device incorporates an adjustable stroke mechanism that allows the displacement distance of the transport bucket to be modified dynamically. The linkage system includes adjustable links that can be repositioned to change the stroke length, enabling the same device to accommodate various object sizes and shapes without requiring conveyor repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the transfer device by allowing adjustment of the stroke length. Through modifying the linkage configuration (changing link positions or lengths), the device adapts its displacement characteristics to match different printing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the relative position between printing station and conveyors is changed for different objects, then objects of different sizes can be printed, but the machine requires frequent adjustments and loses efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to print different object sizesVSAvoidprinting rate and operational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of physically repositioning conveyors and printing stations for different objects, the transfer device's stroke is dynamically adjusted. This allows the machine to quickly adapt to different object sizes through a simple parameter change in the transfer mechanism, maintaining high printing rates without frequent mechanical reconfigurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the stroke parameter of the transfer device to accommodate different object sizes. By modifying only this single parameter through adjustable links, the system maintains consistent conveyor and printing station positions while adapting to various printing requirements, thereby preserving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If a complex mechanical device is used to move screen and doctor blades, then printing can be performed, but the printing rate is low and the device is mechanically complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting capabilityVSAvoidprinting rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical mechanisms for moving screen and doctor blades with a more streamlined approach. The transfer device's simplified linkage system directly controls the positioning and movement of printing components, eliminating unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining printing capability and improving printing rate.

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

Data Source

PatentEP1867480B1Printing machine
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 MACHINES DUBUIT
  • EP1867480B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1867480B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1867480B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine (2) has supply and delivery conveyors (26, 28) for supplying and delivering objects (8), and a printing station (6) printing a pattern on the object. A transfer device (30) includes a transport bucket (35) of the object, and a movable element (36) for moving the bucket between an engaging position of the object on the conveyor (26) and a disengaging position of the object at the station. The device has an adjusting unit i.e. tripod joint ball (48) and a slot (50), for moving the bucket to adjust the element to move the disengaging position without moving the engaging position.