Self-Centering Sleeve Gripper for Automated Printing Sleeve Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual replacement of printing sleeves in rotary printing machines is laborious and time-consuming, posing safety risks and impacting productivity due to the need for manual handling of heavy components.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a handling device equipped with a self-centering grip clamp and an anthropomorphic robot that can adapt to different sleeve dimensions, enabling automated and safe replacement of printing sleeves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual replacement of printing sleeves is performed, then operators can handle the sleeves directly, but the operation becomes extremely laborious and exposes operators to injury due to the weight of the sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handling system with an automated robotic system. The robot equipped with a grip assembly automatically grasps, removes, and installs printing sleeves, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle heavy sleeves, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and operator safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing machine is equipped with an expulsion device that automatically pushes the printing sleeve outward from the plate cylinder. This self-service mechanism facilitates the removal process by the robotic system, making the replacement operation easier and safer without requiring operators to manually extract heavy sleeves.
2Device complexity
If manual replacement of printing sleeves is performed, then operators can perform the task with simple equipment, but the execution time becomes long, negatively impacting machine productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple manual replacement system with an automated robotic system that performs sleeve replacement rapidly and consistently. The robot's automated gripping and positioning capabilities significantly reduce replacement time, thereby improving machine productivity while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated robotic system enables continuous operation by rapidly replacing printing sleeves without the downtime associated with manual replacement. The coordination between the expulsion device and the robotic gripper allows for seamless, continuous replacement operations, maximizing machine productivity.
3Device complexity
If a handling device with a fixed grip assembly is used, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot adapt to printing sleeves with different dimensions, requiring device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robotic system with dynamically adjustable grip assembly parameters. The robot can adapt its grip force, positioning, and orientation based on the specific dimensions of each printing sleeve, enabling versatility without requiring physical device replacement. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and dimensional flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for replacing printing sleeves which comprises a handling device which can be removably engaged with a printing sleeve and a movement robot for moving the handling device; the handling device comprises a supporting frame and a self-centering grip clamp which is able to translate on command, with respect to the supporting frame, along a movement direction that is substantially parallel to the axis of the supporting rod, between an advanced working position and a retracted working position; the grip clamp has engagement elements which are movable on command between an inactive position and an active position, in which they are radially spaced apart from the axis of the supporting rod, in order to allow their engagement with the internal surface of the printing sleeve.