Universal Seal Carving Attachment with Optical Size Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seal surface carving apparatuses require multiple attachments for different stamp sizes, increasing the risk of user error when selecting the correct size.

Innovation Solution

A seal surface carving apparatus with a thermal head having multiple heater elements in a line, a single attachment that uses a slit hole and optical sensor to determine the impression die size, and a frame body with a porous membrane, allowing for the carving of various-sized stamps with a single attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachments are prepared for different stamp sizes, then various sized stamps can be carved, but the device complexity increases and user error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to carve various sized stampsVSAvoidnumber of attachments needed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single attachment that can accommodate impression dies of various sizes by providing a universal mounting structure with adjustable positioning mechanisms. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated attachments while maintaining the capability to carve stamps of different sizes, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment incorporates dynamic positioning elements that can be adjusted based on the size of the impression die being used. This allows the same attachment to adapt to different stamp sizes through movable or adjustable components, enabling one attachment to serve multiple size requirements without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple attachments are prepared for different stamp sizes, then various sized stamps can be carved, but the ease of operation decreases due to selection errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to carve various sized stampsVSAvoidrisk of erroneous attachment selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By providing a single universal attachment that works with all stamp sizes, the patent eliminates the need for users to select among multiple attachments. This universal design ensures that any impression die can be mounted on the same attachment, completely removing the risk of selection errors while maintaining versatility across different stamp sizes

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

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment design includes self-aligning or self-adjusting features that automatically adapt to the impression die size being used. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user judgment or selection, as the attachment automatically configures itself for the correct size, thereby preventing erroneous selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a single attachment is used for various stamp sizes, then user convenience improves, but measurement precision is required to determine die size

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of using single attachmentVSAvoidaccuracy in detecting impression die size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement and size determination with an optical detection system. The optical sensor automatically detects the size of the impression die by measuring its dimensions or position, eliminating the need for users to manually measure or select sizes. This substitution provides precise automatic detection while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensor provides automatic feedback about the impression die size to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically identify the correct size and adjust parameters accordingly, ensuring measurement precision is achieved without requiring user intervention or complex manual measurement procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 convenient and accurate carving of seal surfaces on impression dies of various sizes using a single attachment, reducing the need for multiple attachments and improving user convenience and operability.

Implementation Method 1

a size of the impression die is capable of being determined by detecting a position at which the impression die blocks the slit hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

perform thermal carving process of carving a desired seal surface on an impression die by allowing a thermal head to come into contact with the impression die such as a porous material, and selectively thermally driving a heater element of the thermal head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3199364B1Seal surface carving apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 SHACHIHATA IND
  • EP3199364B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3199364B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3199364B1 patent drawingFigure 4A(a)~4A(b)

AI summary

Provided is a seal surface carving apparatus capable of carving a seal surface using only a single attachment irrespective of a size of a stamp. A porous impression die (101) having a seal surface to be carved is set on a dedicated attachment (50), and is loaded in a seal surface carving apparatus (10). A fitting projection (53) fit to a bottom portion of the impression die (101) is formed on the attachment (50), and impression dice having various sizes may be set. In addition, a slit hole (52) extending in a conveyance direction is formed in an impression die setting portion (51) of the attachment (50). Impression die size determination means of the seal surface carving apparatus (10) determines a size of the impression die by detecting a position at which the impression die (101) blocks the slit hole (52).