Sheet Transport Device with Pneumatic Support Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing machines face challenges with dynamically unfavorable sheet transport systems, high adjustment efforts, and significant leakage losses due to solid drums and complex pneumatic systems, which lead to inefficiencies and increased maintenance needs, especially in high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A sheet transport device with a delivery drum and gripper carriages that use pneumatic support elements and suction cups with an ejector principle for vacuum generation, where support elements are only in contact with the sheet and not the soiled cylinder surface, reducing contamination and maintenance, and featuring adjustable support segments and quick-acting valves for optimized sheet handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction discs with axial extension are used to hold sheet edges, then the sheets can be securely held, but the pressure-free side margins increase reducing the usable sheet area
Solution Approach 1:
The suction disc is divided into a functional suction area and a separate support structure. The suction cup only contacts the sheet at the edge to be held, while the support segment provides structural backing without requiring axial extension that would reduce usable sheet area.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup is designed to contact only the specific local area of the sheet that needs to be held (the edge), rather than requiring extended contact along the sheet's axis. This localized contact maintains holding security while preserving usable sheet area.
2Measurement precision
If a rotary valve is used to control suction air timing, then the suction can be timed precisely, but leakage losses increase and the system becomes dynamically sluggish
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary valve is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a rotary valve to control suction timing, the patent uses direct pneumatic actuation of the suction cups through compressed air supply, eliminating the source of leakage losses while maintaining timing control through the pneumatic system response.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical rotary valve system is replaced with a pneumatic control system. Compressed air is supplied directly to actuate the suction cups, replacing the mechanical valve mechanism with a pneumatic one that has no moving parts to leak and responds more dynamically.
3Ease of operation
If support discs contact the soiled cylinder surface, then the sheets can be supported, but the support discs become contaminated increasing maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
A separate support segment is introduced as an intermediary between the suction cup and the soiled cylinder surface. This support segment contacts the cylinder surface and can be cleaned or replaced independently, while the suction cup that contacts the sheet remains clean and maintains its function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into a suction cup component that contacts the sheet and a support segment that contacts the cylinder surface. This segmentation allows the support segment to bear the contamination from the cylinder surface while the suction cup remains clean and functional.
4Device complexity
If solid drums are used for sheet guide cylinders, then the structure is simple, but the dynamic behavior is unfavorable for high-speed operations
Solution Approach 1:
The solid drum is segmented into a cylindrical shell structure with discrete functional elements (suction cups and support segments) attached to it. This segmentation reduces the mass of the rotating component while maintaining the structural framework, improving dynamic behavior for high-speed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solid drum is replaced with a thin-walled cylindrical shell structure that provides the necessary structural support with minimal mass. This thin-shell construction significantly reduces the moment of inertia, enabling faster acceleration and deceleration at high operating speeds.
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 enhances dynamic behavior, reduces energy consumption, minimizes leakage losses, and requires less maintenance by keeping support elements clean, allowing for efficient sheet transfer and handling in high-speed operations with reduced axial extension and improved usable sheet area.
Implementation Method 1
A sheet transport device is proposed wherein the trailing edge of the sheet is held by a suction cup (10)
Implementation Method 2
pneumatic support elements and suction cups with an ejector principle for vacuum generation
Implementation Method 3
pneumatic support elements and suction cups with an ejector principle for vacuum generation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sheet-processing machine comprising: a sheet transport device having a sheet conveyor system (3, 4) receiving sheets from a sheet-guiding cylinder (2); a gripping device (3) for the clamped fixing and transporting of a front edge of a sheet; and at least two peripheral sheet support segments (6) simultaneously holding the sheet on the lateral cylinder surface of the sheet-guiding cylinder (2), wherein the sheet support segments (6) carry support elements (7) which mechanically contact the sheet, the support elements (7) are displaceably received, and the support elements (7) of each sheet support segment (6) are displaceably mounted together for adjustment in and/or counter to the sheet conveying direction (BFR). The aim of the invention is to provide an alternative sheet-processing machine comprising a sheet transport device and an alternative method for transporting sheets. In particular, the aim is to further improve the transfer of sheets from a sheet-guiding cylinder to a downstream sheet conveyor system. According to the invention, the problem is solved by associating a traction means (8) with each of the support elements (7).