Quick Connect Protection Ring for Printing Sleeve Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flexographic printing, the collision between the free end of a composite sleeve and a metal register pin during mounting can damage the sleeve, compromising its correct use, and existing solutions do not provide a simple, reliable, and replaceable protection for this issue.
Innovation Solution
A protection ring made of rigid/elastic material, such as polyurethane, is mechanically connected to the sleeve, featuring a register recess and radial projections for secure fitting without mechanical fixings, allowing easy replacement if damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a metal register pin is used on the mandrel, then the mounting alignment is achieved, but the composite sleeve edge is damaged during mounting
Solution Approach 1:
A protection ring made of rigid/elastic material is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal register pin and the composite sleeve. This ring absorbs the collision impact during mounting while allowing the pin to maintain its alignment function, thus protecting the sleeve edge without compromising mounting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The protection ring is pre-installed on the sleeve before mounting operations. This beforehand cushioning measure ensures that when the metal register pin contacts the sleeve during mounting, the impact is absorbed by the protection ring rather than the sleeve edge, preventing damage before it occurs
2Reliability
If the protection ring is securely connected to the sleeve, then reliable mounting is achieved, but the connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection ring incorporates self-centering features such as radial projections that automatically align with corresponding recesses on the sleeve during installation. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable mounting without requiring external alignment tools or complex fastening procedures, maintaining simplicity while achieving secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical fixings such as screws, clips, or adhesive systems are extracted from the design. Instead, the protection ring uses a simple interference fit with radial projections that engage with recesses, eliminating the need for additional fastening components and reducing connection complexity while maintaining reliability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protection ring is made of rigid material, then collision protection is provided, but the ring damage resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection ring is made of rigid/elastic composite material that combines the collision-providing rigidity with the damage-resisting elasticity. This composite material allows the ring to be rigid enough to protect against sleeve damage during collision while being elastic enough to absorb impact energy and resist itself from damage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
AI summary
A protection ring (1) for a printing sleeve (3) such as a sleeve or cylinder carrying the characters to be printed, or an adapter for supporting said sleeve or cylinder, said sleeve to be mounted on a rotary mandrel provided with a register pin, the ring comprising an annular body (2) to be on an end edge (7) of the sleeve (3), said body (2) comprising guide means (20) for its coupling to said sleeve (3), this latter being provided with guide counter-means (22) for cooperating with said means (20), and a register seat or recess (14) for cooperating with said sleeve register pin, means (26) being provided for centering the ring on the sleeve (3), to enables said ring (1) to be disposed on the sleeve such that the register recess (14) lies in a suitable position for cooperation with said register pin. The ring is simply fitted to said edge (7) of the sleeve (3) and is connected to the latter without any mechanical fixing member or glue.