Rotary-Frame Book Block Processing for Simultaneous End Faces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing book block processing devices require high personnel effort and can process only one end face at a time, leading to low throughput and high production costs.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotary frame and holding devices that allows simultaneous processing of multiple end faces of book blocks, utilizing a receiving device, processing devices, and a depositing device, enabling automation and high throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single book block is processed at a time using conventional processing devices, then the processing can be completed with simple device structure, but the throughput is low and personnel effort is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethroughput of processed book blocksVSAvoidcomplexity of processing device
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is segmented into multiple holding devices (at least four) arranged on a rotary frame, each capable of holding and processing book blocks independently. This segmentation allows simultaneous processing of multiple book blocks across different end faces, directly increasing throughput while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from linear sequential processing to multi-dimensional parallel processing by arranging holding devices at different positions (at least 90 degrees apart) on a rotary frame. This spatial arrangement enables simultaneous processing of multiple book blocks on different end faces, effectively adding dimensional capacity to the processing system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If only one end face of a book block is processed at a time, then the processing device can be simple, but the production time increases and costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speed of book blocksVSAvoidproduction time per book block
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple processing functions are merged into a single integrated device. The rotary frame with multiple holding devices allows different end faces of book blocks to be processed simultaneously in different positions, combining what would otherwise require separate processing steps into one concurrent operation, thereby reducing production time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary frame enables continuous processing by maintaining book blocks in different processing positions simultaneously. While one book block is being processed on its first end face, another book block is processed on its second end face, and so on. This continuous multi-position processing eliminates idle time and maintains constant productive action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Extent of automation

If conventional processing devices are used with manual operation, then the device structure can be simple, but personnel effort is high and automation is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel of automation in processingVSAvoidoperational simplicity of device
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary frame introduces dynamic movement to the processing system, rotating to bring different holding devices into position with processing devices. This dynamic positioning enables automated sequential processing of multiple book blocks and end faces without manual intervention, significantly increasing automation while the rotary mechanism maintains operational simplicity through standardized motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4617077A1Apparatus and method for the simultaneous processing of book blocks
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 MANROLAND GOSS WEB SYST GMBH
  • EP4617077A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617077A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617077A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method for simultaneous multi-page processing of book blocks (20) using a device (1). Processing of a plurality of end faces (22) of at least one book block (20) simultaneously with very low personnel expenditure.The device (1) comprises: a receiving device (5) for receiving at least one book block (20) to be processed, a rotary frame (2) with at least one receiving plate (3), each with a plurality of mutually offset holding devices (4) for fixing the at least one book block (20), wherein each holding device (4) is spaced a distance a from a rotation axis x, wherein the rotary frame (2) is rotatably mounted for pivoting into a plurality of processing positions (8) about the rotation axis x, and which comprises at least one processing device (7) in at least one processing position (8) for processing the at least one book block (20) and a depositing device (9) for depositing the processed book blocks (20).