Binding Device Dynamic Pressing Control for Sheet Count Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing binding devices face reduced binding performance when the pressing member presses a recording material bundle under a certain pressing condition, which does not adapt to the number of sheets, leading to inadequate binding in some cases.

Innovation Solution

A binding device with a pressing member featuring first and second teeth that form unevenness in the recording material bundle, controlled to release pressure when the load on the pressing member decreases from the start of pressing, ensuring optimal binding performance by adjusting pressing time based on the number of sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the pressing member presses the recording material bundle under a predetermined pressing condition, then the pressing force is sufficient, but the binding performance reduces when the number of sheets varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressing forceVSAvoidbinding performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing time is dynamically adjusted based on the number of sheets in the recording material bundle. The control unit extends the pressing time when the bundle weight exceeds a reference value, ensuring adequate fiber entanglement and binding performance across varying sheet counts while maintaining consistent pressing force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the pressing time is extended to improve binding performance, then the binding quality improves, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding performanceVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pressing time parameter is changed based on the bundle weight. When the bundle weight exceeds a reference value, the control unit extends the pressing time to ensure adequate fiber entanglement and binding performance, while maintaining the pressing force within a predetermined range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the pressing condition is fixed, then the device operation is simple, but the binding performance varies with different numbers of sheets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidbinding performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives feedback on the bundle weight from the weighing sensor and automatically adjusts the pressing time accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent binding performance across varying sheet counts without requiring manual intervention or complex operator decisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically determines the optimal pressing time based on the measured bundle weight, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the operator. The control unit self-regulates the pressing parameters to ensure consistent binding performance across varying sheet counts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances binding performance by ensuring the pressing member maintains pressure until the load decreases, securing fiber entanglement and preventing incomplete binding, thus improving productivity and binding quality.

Implementation Method 1

a recording material bundle is pressed with the recording material bundle sandwiched between a first tooth and a second tooth which are provided in a pressing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

securing a binding performance... ensures the pressing member maintains pressure until the load decreases, securing fiber entanglement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiber entanglement:

Data Source

PatentUS11092922B2Binding device and image forming system

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A binding device includes a pressing member that has a first tooth, which forms unevenness in a recording material bundle, and a second tooth, which is paired with the first tooth and forms unevenness in the recording material bundle, and presses the recording material bundle with the recording material bundle sandwiched between the first tooth and the second tooth and a control unit that performs control such that pressing is released after a timing when a load on the pressing member decreases from start of pressing of the recording material bundle by the pressing member.