Thin Sheet Bending Device with Dihedral Template and Suction Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing composite image display devices with parallel dihedrals face challenges in precise positioning of image bands, leading to errors in fold lines coinciding with grooves, especially for large images, resulting in significant errors due to accumulation of minor misalignments.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a frame with a bending template of parallel dihedrals and mobile applicator blades that apply score lines precisely along the template's junction lines, using stepper motors and suction channels to maintain alignment and prevent slippage, ensuring accurate folding of sheets into dihedrals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing printing equipment is used to produce alternating strips of photographs, then precision of strip placement is improved, but alignment error between groove and fold line increases due to cumulative effects over large sheet lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip placement precisionVSAvoidalignment between groove and fold line
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a folding template as an intermediary tool between the sheet and the folding operation. The template includes a reference line that serves as a mediator to establish precise alignment between the groove and the fold line, eliminating cumulative alignment errors that occur when folding large sheets directly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a marking line on the sheet along the groove before the folding operation. This preliminary marking serves as a reference that is transferred to the folding template, ensuring that the fold line aligns precisely with the groove from the outset, preventing cumulative misalignment during the folding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If a folding template with reference lines is used to ensure precise alignment, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment between groove and fold lineVSAvoidfolding template structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the alignment function from the complex folding operation and concentrates it into a simple linear reference line on the folding template. This reference line is the minimal element needed to establish precise alignment between the groove and fold line, reducing the complexity of the overall device while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If suction channels are added to hold the sheet against the template, then stability during folding is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet position stabilityVSAvoidsuction system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a suction-based holding mechanism that uses pneumatic pressure to secure the sheet against the folding template. The suction channels create a vacuum that holds the sheet in place during folding, providing stable positioning without requiring complex mechanical clamping systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The suction channels act as an intermediary mechanism between the sheet and the template, creating a holding force that maintains the sheet in the correct position during folding. This pneumatic intermediary provides stable positioning more effectively than direct mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution ensures precise alignment and accurate folding of sheets into dihedrals, minimizing errors and maintaining precise positioning throughout the folding process, even for large images, by using vertically movable blades and suction mechanisms to hold the sheet against the folding template.

Implementation Method 1

the folded sections of the sheet remaining on the folding jig, the dihedral angles forming the jig being traversed by channels connected to suction devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2663517B1Device for bending a thin sheet
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 RUBINSTEIN PATRICK
  • EP2663517B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2663517B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2663517B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for bending a thin sheet, in particular a sheet of paper (33), according to equidistant parallel score lines made on said sheet, which extend transversely from one side of the sheet to the other. Said device is characterised in that it comprises: a frame capable of receiving a bending template which is at least the same size as the sheet (33) to be bent and which consists of a series of adjacent, transversal and identical parallel dihedrons (19) separated by a joining line; a translatably movable applicator means (35a, 35b, 35c) capable of consecutively applying a score line of the sheet (33) against a joining line of the bending template; a supporting means capable, during the actuation of the applicator means on a predetermined joining line, of keeping at least one score line applied against a joining line located upstream of said predetermined joining line.