Stacking Device Mixed Plate Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for setting up printing machines using tabular goods, such as metal plates, are inefficient and labor-intensive due to the need for manual feeding of waste boards to minimize waste and achieve a satisfactory print result, which requires repeated processes and continuous operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A stacking device with a pivotable upper transfer device and multiple holding elements allows for the creation of a mixed stack of tabular goods, enabling flexible adaptation to different formats and efficient handling of both good and waste boards, reducing the need for continuous operator intervention during the setup process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual feeding of waste sheets is performed during setup process, then operator can control the stacking process, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking device pre-forms a mixed stack of good and waste sheets in advance during the setup process. The device automatically removes sheets from source stacks and places them in a target stacking area, creating a ready-to-use mixed stack that eliminates the need for continuous manual intervention during subsequent printing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking device performs the sheet stacking operation autonomously without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system includes source stacking areas with stacks of good and waste sheets, a target stacking area, and an upper transfer device that automatically transfers sheets between areas, enabling the device to service itself during the setup process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple source stacks are maintained for good and waste sheets, then flexible mixed stack formation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking device is divided into distinct functional areas: first and second source stacking areas for holding stacks of good and waste sheets respectively, and a target stacking area for forming the mixed stack. This segmentation allows independent management of different sheet types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper transfer device serves multiple functions: it removes sheets from either source stacking area, transports sheets to the target stacking area, and can handle both good and waste sheets interchangeably. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each stacking area.
3Reliability
If continuous operator intervention is required during setup, then real-time adjustments can be made, but labor costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the sheet stacking operation in advance during setup, creating a complete mixed stack before printing begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for continuous real-time adjustments during the actual printing process, as the stack is already prepared in the correct sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking device incorporates control mechanisms that monitor the stacking process and adjust operations automatically. The system can detect when sheets are properly stacked and terminate the setup process accordingly, reducing unnecessary operator intervention while maintaining quality control.
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 enables the pre-formation of a tailored mixed stack that can be efficiently fed into a printing press, reducing waste and labor costs by automating the feeding process, thus streamlining the setup and operation of printing machines.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one upper holding device has at least one upper holding element designed as a suction element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a stacking device (01) for producing at least one stack (13) of plate-like articles (02), wherein the stacking device (01) has two source stack regions (06; 07) and a target stack region (08), to which is assigned a horizontally movable target plate organiser (23), and wherein the stacking device (01) has an upper transfer device (03), which has a holding device (04), which acts from above on a plate-like article (02) and which is arranged so as to be movable in relation to a vertical direction (V) and in relation to a horizontal direction (H). The invention also relates to a method for forming a target stack (13) of plate-like articles (02), wherein a first source stack (11) is provided in a first stack region (06) and a second source stack (12) is provided in a second stack region (07) of the stacking device (01), and wherein, in alternating stacking processes, a quantity of plate-like articles (02) is removed from the first or the second source stack (11; 12) and set down in the target stack region (08), thus starting or increasing the target stack (13).