Rigid Cover Binding Machine Segmented Feed Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing book cover manufacturing machines are limited by the minimum longitudinal dimension of covers they can produce due to the spacing between rollers, leading to potential blockages and requiring manual intervention, which is unsafe and reduces automation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The machine incorporates a pair of rotary feed rollers and compression rods with adjustable thrust wheels and bridges between the rollers to facilitate the folding of covers with reduced longitudinal dimensions, allowing for automatic operation and adjustable pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the spacing between rollers is reduced to enable production of smaller covers, then the minimum longitudinal dimension of producible covers is reduced, but the risk of blockages and mechanical interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum longitudinal dimension of coversVSAvoidrisk of blockages
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feeding mechanism is segmented into multiple independent rollers (first feeding roller, second feeding roller, third feeding roller) that can independently control different sections of the cover assembly. This segmentation allows each roller to perform a specific function (feeding, positioning, pressing) and reduces the risk of complete system blockage, as one roller can compensate for issues in another section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic control where the feeding rollers can independently adjust their rotation speeds and directions. The first and second feeding rollers can rotate in opposite directions to push the cover toward the brush, while the third feeding roller provides additional feeding control. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying cover sizes and prevent blockages through controlled material flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual intervention is introduced to handle blockages, then the reliability of cover production is improved, but the safety of operation deteriorates and automation efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover production reliabilityVSAvoidoperator safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be self-regulating through the coordinated action of multiple feeding rollers. When a blockage or resistance is encountered, the independent control of each roller allows the system to automatically adjust material flow and distribution, preventing complete stoppages that would require manual intervention. The rollers work together to maintain continuous operation without operator input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical arrangement provides inherent feedback through the interaction between the feeding rollers and the cover material. The pressure and friction between rollers and material create natural feedback mechanisms that allow the system to detect and respond to blocking conditions by adjusting roller speeds and pressures, maintaining reliable operation without manual monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Length of moving object

If the spacing between rollers is reduced, then the minimum longitudinal dimension of covers is reduced, but the complexity of the feeding mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum longitudinal dimension of coversVSAvoidfeeding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple feeding rollers are merged into a single coordinated feeding system. The first, second, and third feeding rollers work together as an integrated unit, with their combined action providing the full feeding and positioning function. This merging approach consolidates what could be separate complex mechanisms into a unified system that achieves the same goal with simpler individual components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The feeding rollers serve multiple functions simultaneously: the first and second rollers provide bidirectional pushing capability, the third roller provides additional feeding control, and collectively they enable positioning, pressing, and blockage prevention. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized mechanisms, simplifying the overall device while achieving reduced cover dimensions.

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

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 the production of book covers with smaller longitudinal dimensions without compromising the machine's functionality or safety, maintaining high automation efficiency and quality.

Implementation Method 1

a sheet of cardboard (20) and a covering sheet (30), which are superposed beforehand and joined by means of an adhesive material, namely, glue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a pair of horizontally juxtaposed rollers (40) is designed to press the sheet and the cardboard one against the other in such a way as to achieve maximum adhesion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical pressure: Compression

Implementation Method 3

a brush (50), rotating about a horizontal axis (500) parallel to the axis (400) of the rollers (40)... the brush (50) is provided with a plurality of clumps of bristles (510, 520)... in order to facilitate lifting and folding of the transversal edges (310, 320)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical lifting: Brush

Data Source

PatentEP2845746B1A machine for making rigid covers for binding
Publication Date: 2016.08.31 SAMED INNOVAZIONI
  • EP2845746B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2845746B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2845746B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A machine for making rigid covers for binding, comprising brush means (50) for striking transversal edges (310, 320) of a covering layer (30), said machine comprising feed and thrust systems (80, 81, 84, 54) interposed between a first and a second pairs of juxtaposed rollers (60, 60'), which are designed to retain and move said assembly made up of said covering layer (30) and said cardboard (20) between said first and second pairs of rollers (60, 60'), even if the longitudinal dimensions of said assembly are less than the longitudinal distance between said first and second pairs of juxtaposed rollers.