Sheet Transport Apparatus Two-Stage Allocation Cam Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In web rotary printing presses, single-stage delivery of sheets leads to premature consumption of consumable parts, increased replacement frequency, and higher operational costs, resulting in decreased productivity and increased burden on operators and equipment.

Innovation Solution

A sheet transport apparatus with a cam mechanism that switches transport paths between multiple cylinders, allowing for two-stage allocation and distribution of sheets, thereby equalizing mechanical states and reducing consumable part consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If single-stage delivery is used in collect folding, then the transport path is simplified, but consumable parts are consumed early and replacement frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport path complexityVSAvoidconsumable part consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is segmented into two independent stages (first transport cylinder and second transport cylinder), each with its own consumable parts. This segmentation allows the workload and wear to be distributed across multiple components rather than concentrated in a single stage, thereby reducing the consumption rate of individual consumable parts while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If single-stage delivery is used, then the system structure is simplified, but productivity decreases due to frequent replacements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidoperational productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows flexible allocation of sheets between two transport stages. This dynamic operation enables continuous production without interruption for part replacements, as the system can switch between stages to maintain productivity while consumable parts are replaced in one stage, thereby resolving the conflict between structural simplicity and operational productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If only one stage is replaced at a time, then the replacement process is simplified, but the state imbalance between stages requires readjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement operationVSAvoidtransport belt state consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the two transport stages. When one stage requires maintenance or part replacement, the switching mechanism redirects material flow to the other stage, maintaining operational continuity. This intermediary function allows simplified replacement operations while preserving state consistency across stages by managing the transition and rebalancing process systematically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If single-stage delivery is used, then equipment requirements are reduced, but post-treatment apparatus must handle higher piling capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment configurationVSAvoidpiling capacity requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is divided into two stages that can operate independently or in coordination, allowing the post-treatment apparatus to receive material in smaller, more manageable batches from each stage. This segmentation reduces the peak piling capacity requirement for downstream equipment while maintaining overall system simplicity through the modular two-stage configuration that can be implemented with standard components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution increases productivity, prolongs the life cycle of consumable parts, decreases operational costs, and reduces the burden on operators and equipment, allowing for comparable consumption of parts and preventing wasteful replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a cam mechanism that switches transport paths between multiple cylinders

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2174901B1Carrier for sheetlike article
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 KOMORI CORP
  • EP2174901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2174901B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2174901B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For effective achievement of an increase in productivity, prolongation of the life cycle of a consumable part, a decrease in the running cost, a lighter burden on the operator's work, and a reduction in spending on plants and equipment, a sheet transport apparatus comprises: a folding cylinder (11) for transporting sheets one by one or as a stack of a plurality of the sheets; a jaw cylinder (12) or a reduction cylinder (13) for holding the sheets by alternate ones of holding means and transporting the sheets when the sheets are transported as the stack of the plurality of sheets; an upper transfer cylinder (14) opposing the jaw cylinder or the reduction cylinder; a lower transfer cylinder (15) opposing the jaw cylinder or the reduction cylinder; and switching means for transporting the sheets from the jaw cylinder or the reduction cylinder to the upper transfer cylinder and the lower transfer cylinder, while allocating the sheets to the upper transfer cylinder and the lower transfer cylinder, when the sheets are transported as the stack of the plurality of sheets.