Rotatable Wiper Device for Automated Schmitz Ring Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiper devices for maintaining bearer rings in printing presses require manual operation for repeated use, which is inefficient and not conducive to automation.

Innovation Solution

A wiper device with a central axis and rotatable peripheral sections, compatible with a holder, allowing for automatic rotation and featuring a shaft-hub connection for actuator-driven operation, along with a disposable lining ring and reusable hub ring design for easy assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the wiper is designed to be manually rotated for repeated use, then the wiper can be reused several times, but the operation requires manual intervention which reduces productivity and automation capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper is designed with a rotatable holder that can change its angular position around the central axis. The holder rotates from a first angular position where the first circumferential section contacts the Schmitz ring to a second angular position where the second circumferential section contacts the Schmitz ring, enabling dynamic reuse of multiple wiper sections without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper is divided into multiple circumferential sections (first circumferential section, second circumferential section) arranged around the central axis. Each section can independently contact the Schmitz ring at different angular positions, allowing the wiper to serve multiple times through rotation rather than requiring a single large wiper head.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the wiper components are designed as disposable and reusable parts, then cost-effective mass production is enabled, but the assembly and disassembly operations increase device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper system is segmented into a disposable wiper component and a reusable holder component. The wiper can be easily removed from the holder by pulling it axially outward, and a new wiper can be installed by pushing it axially inward until it engages with the holder. This modular design enables cost-effective mass production of disposable wipers while keeping the expensive holder reusable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wiper is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced, while the holder is designed as a reusable component. This allows the inexpensive wiper to be mass-produced and discarded after use, while the expensive holder maintains its value through multiple reuse cycles, improving overall cost-effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3789199A1Device, wiper, wiper lining and method for the care of a bearer ring
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 HEIDELBERGER DRUCKMASCHINEN AG
  • EP3789199A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3789199A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3789199A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A device for maintaining a Schmitz ring comprises a wiper (4) having a central axis (5), a first circumferential section (1), a second circumferential section (2), and a first plug-in profile, further comprising a holder with a second plug-in profile with which the first plug-in profile is designed to be compatible, such that the wiper (4) and the holder can be plugged together, wherein the wiper (4) is rotatable from a first position to a second position, the first circumferential section (1) bearing against the Schmitz ring in the first position and the second circumferential section (2) bearing against the Schmitz ring in the second position. The holder, together with the wiper (4), is rotatable from the first position to the second position about the central axis (5) of the wiper (4) by means of a device (7).