Rotating Card Treatment Module for Dual-Side Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing card processing machines are inefficient due to the need for cards to undergo multiple round trips for treatments on different sides, leading to prolonged processing times and inability to process multiple cards simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A card processing machine with a movable processing module that can rotate between two positions, allowing for simultaneous processing of treatments on the same or opposite sides without the need for tools, utilizing locking and unlocking mechanisms for secure positioning and detection systems to manage the module's orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cards undergo multiple round trips for treatments on different sides, then treatments can be applied to different faces, but processing time is prolonged and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to treat different faces of cardsVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing module is made rotatable between two positions, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the treatment path. This enables the system to adapt between treating same-side or opposite-side faces without requiring cards to make multiple round trips, thereby maintaining versatility while improving processing speed and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If processing modules are fixed on the frame, then structural stability is maintained, but the ability to optimize processing paths is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing module is designed with a rotatable mechanism that allows it to change position between two stable configurations. This dynamic capability enables optimization of processing paths for different treatment scenarios while maintaining structural stability during operation, thereby improving processing efficiency without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a movable processing module is introduced to optimize processing paths, then processing time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A rotatable mechanism is introduced to enable the processing module to switch between two positions. This dynamic feature allows optimization of processing paths to reduce processing time while the mechanism itself remains relatively simple, involving basic rotational movement rather than complex multi-axis positioning systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable mechanism incorporates automatic locking means that engage when the processing module reaches either of the two positions. This self-locking feature eliminates the need for complex control systems or operators to manually secure the module, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining the productivity benefits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2454097B1Treatment machine for treating a series of cards
Publication Date: 2013.07.10 EVOLIS
  • EP2454097B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2454097B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2454097B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a treatment machine for treating a series of cards, the treatment machine comprising a frame (102) with the following elements mounted thereon in series: a loading system; a first treatment module (114) for performing a first treatment on one of the surfaces of the cards; a second treatment module for performing a second treatment on one of the surfaces of the cards, at least one treatment module (114) being mobile between a first treatment position in which said mobile treatment module (114) treats the same surface as that on which the second treatment is performed and a second treatment position in which said mobile treatment module (114) treats the surface opposite that on which the other treatment is performed; a storage system; and a manually operated locking and unlocking means for locking said mobile treatment module (114) to the frame (102) and for unlocking said mobile treatment module (114) from the frame (102).