Adjustment Plate Coupling Structure for Apparatus Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus coupling systems require different shapes for each paper post-processing device, leading to increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus coupling structure using a T-shaped fastening groove and an adjustment plate with specific dimensions that can fit into the groove, allowing for adjustable coupling of multiple apparatuses with a single design, reducing the need for multiple part types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different shapes of apparatus coupling members are prepared for each paper post-processing device, then proper alignment and coupling can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single type of apparatus coupling member that can be used across multiple paper post-processing devices. The coupling member includes a body with a through-hole and a fastening member that can be inserted into fastening holes formed on the frame of various devices, enabling one component to serve multiple functions and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the coupling system into separate functional components: a body portion with a through-hole for insertion, and a fastening member portion that engages with the frame. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying production and reducing the need for custom-shaped coupling members for each device.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single type of apparatus coupling member is used for all devices, then manufacturing cost decreases, but alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different fastening hole configurations in the frame for different devices, while using a standardized coupling member design. The fastening holes are positioned at specific locations on each device's frame to accommodate the coupling member, ensuring proper alignment and precision for each device type without requiring custom coupling member shapes.
3Reliability
If multiple types of coupling members are prepared, then each device can be optimally coupled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coupling member design that can be applied across multiple device types. The body with through-hole and the fastening member configuration allow the same coupling component to reliably connect to various paper post-processing devices, reducing parts variety and simplifying inventory management while maintaining coupling reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus coupling structure includes a plurality of coupled apparatus (2) and an adjustment plate (21). The coupled apparatuses (2) include a body frame (3) formed with a fastening groove (11) having a T-shaped cross section, and is installed on an installation surface. The adjustment plate (21) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a thickness capable of fitting into the fastening groove (11), long and short sides having a predetermined dimension. The dimension of the long side of the adjustment plate (21) corresponds to a bottom-up dimension from the installation surface to a bottom of the body frame (3). The dimension of the short side of the adjustment plate (21) corresponds to an inter-apparatus dimension of the adjacent body frames (3). The adjustment plate (21) is fitted into the fastening grooves (11) in a posture in which the short side is disposed between the adjacent coupled apparatuses (2), and the adjacent coupled apparatuses (2) are coupled with the adjustment plate (21).