Round Stamp Cartridge Axial Positioning for Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing round stamps face challenges in aligning the printing plate correctly due to their circular shape, leading to distorted prints and complex assembly processes, as there are infinite possible positions for installation, making proper alignment and ink saturation time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The stamp design allows the printing plate to be moved axially into a positioning setting, enabling rotation relative to the actuator unit, simplifying alignment and assembly by eliminating the need for precise radial positioning, and incorporating a holding ring for stable angular adjustment without direct handling of the inked plate, along with a sealing element for efficient ink storage and saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If round printing plates are used, then versatility and design flexibility are improved, but alignment precision and assembly complexity deteriorate due to infinite possible positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by providing the printing plate with an asymmetric pattern relative to its circular geometry. The plate features a specific orientation where the print image is aligned with a reference mark or positioning feature, ensuring that only one rotational position is correct. This asymmetric design constraint transforms the infinite positional possibilities into a single correct orientation, resolving the alignment precision issue while maintaining the versatility of round stamp design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment of printing plate is required, then print quality is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-aligning the printing plate during the manufacturing process. The printing plate is pre-positioned and fixed to the support element with the correct orientation before the stamp is assembled. This pre-alignment ensures that when the stamp is used, the print image is automatically correctly oriented without requiring the user to perform time-consuming alignment procedures during assembly or operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary positioning mechanism, specifically a reference mark or alignment feature on the support element that interfaces with a corresponding feature on the printing plate. This intermediary element serves as a mediator between the plate and the stamp body, guiding the correct placement and orientation of the printing plate during assembly, thereby simplifying the alignment process while ensuring precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If printing plate is stabilized firmly, then print consistency is improved, but adjustability and repositioning capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprint consistencyVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by designing a positioning mechanism that provides stable fixation during normal operation but allows for controlled adjustment during assembly or maintenance. The printing plate is secured with a positioning feature that locks it firmly in the correct orientation during use, ensuring print consistency. However, the mechanism includes an adjustable element that enables the plate to be repositioned or replaced when needed, balancing stability with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9168775B2Sealed stamp cartridge and round stamp movable into positioning setting for rotation of printing plate about the axis of movement
Publication Date: 2015.10.27 TRODAT GMBH
  • US9168775B2 patent drawing
  • US9168775B2 patent drawing
  • US9168775B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A stamp includes a printing unit and an actuator unit. The printing unit is connected to the actuator unit by a connecting element. The printing unit includes a support element and a printing plate the cross section of which is round. The printing plate is stabilized by the support element. The printing unit is moveable from a neutral setting into a print setting through axial displacement by the actuator unit. The printing plate can be moved further by axial displacement into a positioning setting wherein the printing plate can be rotated in its angular position relative to the actuator unit.