Web-fed sheet printing press with cross cutter and dynamic feed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sheet-fed rotary printing presses have limited output and are restricted to processing only stacked sheet material, making it inefficient for various manufacturing processes and requiring complex devices for simple printed products.

Innovation Solution

A system that winds printing materials into web form, using a cross cutter and sheeter to process them directly into sheet-processing machines, allowing for compact and cost-effective production of simple products printed on both sides, with optional shingling stations for precise feeding and additional processing capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sheet-fed rotary printing presses are used to process stacked sheet material, then printing can be performed on pre-stacked sheets, but the output is limited and the system is restricted to only stacked sheet material formats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capability for different material formatsVSAvoidoutput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the traditional printing workflow by separating the sheet feeding function from the printing function. A dedicated sheet feeding device feeds sheets individually from a stack to the printing press, allowing the printing press to maintain its high-speed capabilities while processing stacked sheet material. This segmentation enables the system to handle both stacked sheets and web-shaped materials through different feeding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The printing press system is designed with multi-functionality to handle both stacked sheet material and web-shaped printing material. The sheet feeding device can process stacked sheets while the web processing capability with cross cutter allows handling of continuous web materials, making the system versatile for different material formats and production requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If cross cutters and stacking devices are used to produce raw sheet stacks, then sheet material can be supplied to sheet-fed machines, but the system cannot perform further processing within the printing press and requires complex devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of production systemVSAvoidfurther processing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the sheet feeding function with the printing press system. The sheet feeding device is integrated into the printing press, allowing sheets to be fed directly from a stack into the printing units without requiring separate complex handling devices. This integration enables further processing within the printing press while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet feeding device acts as an intermediary between the stacked sheet material and the printing press. It individually feeds sheets from the stack to the printing units, enabling the printing press to process stacked sheets without requiring complex external handling devices. This intermediary function simplifies the overall production system while enabling versatile processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If web-shaped printing material is wound on rolls and processed through cross cutters, then various formats can be produced, but the sheets must be fed at correct speed and distance requiring shingling stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformat varietyVSAvoidshingling station requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses dynamic speed adjustment capabilities in the sheet feeding device to accommodate different sheet feeding rates. The feeding device can synchronize its speed with the web processing speed, eliminating the need for complex shingling stations to create imbricated streams. This dynamic adaptation allows format variety while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sheet feeding device performs self-adjustment of sheet spacing and feeding speed based on the processing requirements. Instead of requiring external shingling stations to create properly spaced sheet streams, the feeding device automatically adjusts to feed sheets at the correct speed and distance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining format versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1764329B1Sheet printing machine
Publication Date: 2011.06.15 TIETZE JOCHEM
  • EP1764329B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The sheet-fed printing press, printing on one or both sides of the sheets, has a paper supply in the form of a web (B) from a roll at a roll stand or exchange unit (1), cut into a flow of separate sheets (S) by a lateral cutter (3). The web can be printed on one side, for printing on the other, or it is blank for printing on one or both sides.