Sheet-fed Powdering Device with Defined Air Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet processing machines face challenges in achieving uniform powder application over the entire format of sheets and preventing contamination of the surroundings with powder, as seen in prior art technologies.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing machine with a powdering device featuring a sheet guiding device that extends along a peripheral section of the sheet guiding cylinder, including a powder application device at a first circumferential position, a blowing device at a second position ahead, and a suction device at a third position behind, forming a defined air flow to ensure uniform powder application and prevent contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If powder is applied using conventional powdering devices, then powder can be applied to sheets, but uniformity of powder application over the entire sheet format is poor and contamination of surroundings occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of powder applicationVSAvoidcontamination of surroundings with powder
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful factor (loose powder) is extracted and removed from the system using a suction device connected to a vacuum source. The suction device is positioned downstream of the powder application device to capture and remove excess powder particles, preventing them from contaminating the surroundings and achieving uniform powder distribution on the sheet surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A controlled air flow is introduced as an intermediary between the powder application device and the sheet. This air flow carries the powder uniformly across the sheet surface and directs it toward the application area, ensuring even distribution while the suction device simultaneously removes excess powder to prevent contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If more powder is applied to ensure coverage, then complete coverage is achieved, but powder consumption increases and contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepowder coverageVSAvoidpowder consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device provides a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring and removing excess powder particles in real-time. This allows the system to maintain complete sheet coverage with the minimum necessary powder quantity, as any excess is immediately removed, preventing both waste and contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Pneumatic systems are used to control the air flow that delivers powder uniformly across the sheet and to operate the suction device. The controlled air pressure and flow rate ensure optimal powder distribution while the vacuum system efficiently removes excess powder, minimizing overall powder consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 uniform powder application over the entire format of sheets, significantly reducing powder consumption and preventing contamination of the surroundings, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing powder usage.

Implementation Method 1

a blowing device (30) which is positioned at a second circumferential position along the sheet guiding device (22), which is in front of the first circumferential position, viewed in the direction of rotation of the sheet-guiding cylinder, air being able to be directed onto the sheets with the aid of the blowing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a suction device (32) which is positioned at a third circumferential position along the sheet guiding device (22), which is after the first circumferential position, viewed in the direction of rotation of the sheet-guiding cylinder, air and powder being able to be suctioned off with the aid of the suction device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP2228215B1Sheet-fed treating machine
Publication Date: 2011.09.28 MANROLAND AG
  • EP2228215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2228215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2228215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The machine has a powdering device (21) including a blower device (30) positioned in a circumferential position along a sheet guiding device (22), which lies in a rotational direction of a sheet guiding cylinder (18). The powdering device include a suction device (32) positioned in another circumferential position along the sheet guiding device that lies in the rotational direction of the sheet guiding cylinder. The sheet guiding device is closed, so that a defined air flow between the blower device and suction device guides a sheet in a region of a powder applicator (27). An independent claim is also included for a method for applying a powder on a sheet to be processed.