Sheet Alignment Roller Device with Independent Transverse Shifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet alignment devices in printing machines are space-intensive and prone to alignment errors during skew correction, requiring robust and vibration-resistant designs to maintain accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A device with two pairs of rollers, each comprising a driving and counter-pressure roller, where the driving rollers are non-torsionally mounted on separate shafts with synchronized shifting units, allowing for reduced motor size and lower vibration, and cam contours maintain consistent clamping points for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pairs of rollers are spaced apart in advance direction for alignment operations, then alignment functionality is improved, but device space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention shifts the alignment mechanism from the advance direction (longitudinal spacing of roller pairs) to the transverse direction (lateral positioning of rollers within a pair). By enabling independent transverse adjustment of each roller, the system achieves multiple alignment operations without requiring multiple spaced-apart roller pairs, thus reducing the device's longitudinal footprint while maintaining comprehensive alignment functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If carriage is shifted transverse direction for skew correction, then alignment precision is improved, but motor strength requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the alignment system into independent roller units, each with its own drive motor. Instead of using one powerful motor to shift the entire carriage for skew correction, each roller can be independently adjusted in the transverse direction. This segmentation distributes the power requirement across multiple smaller motors, reducing the strength demand on each individual motor while maintaining alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables dynamic, independent transverse adjustment of each roller during the alignment process. Rather than moving the entire carriage rigidly, individual rollers can be shifted independently to correct skew, allowing for more flexible and power-efficient alignment operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If carriage is shifted transverse direction for alignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the alignment system into independent roller units with individual drive motors, the invention eliminates the need to shift a large, rigid carriage assembly. Each roller can be adjusted independently with minimal mass movement, significantly reducing vibration generation while maintaining alignment accuracy.
4Reliability
If robust carriage design is used to prevent vibration, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex, robust carriage structure with simpler, independent roller units. Each roller assembly is a self-contained module with its own drive mechanism, eliminating the need for a heavy-duty carriage framework while maintaining alignment stability through independent control of each roller.
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
This design reduces the device's size and vibration, enabling more precise and efficient sheet alignment with reduced motor strength requirements and improved accuracy during skew and transverse alignment corrections.
Implementation Method 1
the running surfaces of the driving rollers and/or of the counter-pressure rollers have a cam contour extending transverse to the advance direction. By means of such a cam contour, it can be achieved that a clamping point between the driving roller and the counter-pressure roller remains in essentially the same position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for the alignment of sheets in a printing machine, said device comprising two pairs of rollers for the alignment of the sheets in their advance direction, for the alignment transverse to their advance direction and with respect to skewing, whereby each pair of rollers consists of a driving roller and of a counter-pressure roller. One drive unit is provided for each of the two driving rollers, whereby each of the drive units consists of a motor and a drive shaft linked therewith, whereby the driving rollers are non-torsionally accommodated on respective drive shafts. The driving rollers can be slid in linear direction on their drive shaft, or the respective drive shafts, and thus the driving rollers accommodated thereon, can be linearly shifted with respect to their drive motors.