Booklet Feeder with Automatic Gap Adjustment for Continuous Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing page-turning and feeder devices face challenges in continuously processing multiple booklets of varying thicknesses, as they require manual intervention and struggle to accurately feed and image data acquire without manual control, especially when booklets are stacked or have different thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A page-turning reader device with a feeder unit that feeds stacked booklets one by one, a holder that grips and fixes the binding edge, and an image data acquiring means that synchronizes with page-turning operations, utilizing independent feeding belt units and a transparent flatbed for precise image capture, along with separation and rotation control mechanisms to handle varying thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to remove processed booklets and set new ones, then processing can be performed, but continuous processing of multiple booklets becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The feeder device automatically feeds booklets one by one from a stack without manual intervention. The separation mechanism autonomously separates stacked booklets, and the discharge mechanism automatically removes processed booklets, enabling continuous processing of multiple booklets without requiring operator intervention between processing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically feeding the next booklet immediately after the current one is processed. The feeder device keeps booklets ready in a stack, and the coordination between feeding, processing, and discharge mechanisms ensures uninterrupted continuous processing of multiple booklets
2Adaptability or versatility
If spring deformation adjustment mechanism is used to change gap size, then feeding can be adapted to thickness, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adapts to different booklet thicknesses by automatically adjusting the gap between the separation member and driving rotation body. The control unit modifies operational parameters such as gap size and feeding force based on detected booklet thickness, enabling thickness adaptation without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automatic control system that uses sensors and actuators. The control unit electronically adjusts feeding parameters based on booklet thickness detection, substituting complex mechanical adjustment systems with a more compact and controllable electronic system
3Adaptability or versatility
If claw is installed in endless chain for forced feeding, then thick booklets can be fed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a dynamic feeding mechanism where the gap between the separation member and driving rotation body can be automatically adjusted based on booklet thickness. This dynamic adjustment allows the same mechanism to handle both thick and thin booklets effectively without requiring multiple fixed configurations or additional components like claws
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic gap adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it handles different booklet thicknesses, adapts to various booklet types, and maintains feeding effectiveness across different conditions. This universal mechanism replaces the need for thickness-specific components like claws, simplifying the overall device while maintaining versatility
4Productivity
If booklets are stacked for batch processing, then efficiency improves, but accurate feeding and separation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect booklet thickness and positioning in the stack, providing feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts feeding force, separation timing, and gap dimensions to maintain accurate feeding and separation of stacked booklets, ensuring feeding precision even during batch processing
Solution Approach 2:
The feeder device prepares booklets for accurate feeding by pre-positioning them in a stacked arrangement with proper alignment. The separation member is positioned in advance to engage with the booklet stack, and the driving rotation body is pre-adjusted to the appropriate gap, ensuring that when feeding begins, accurate separation and feeding of each booklet is achieved
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a page-turning reader device and a feeder device capable of continuously acquiring image data of each page of a plurality of booklets, the page-turning reader device (1) includes a feeder unit (102) that feeds a plurality of stacked booklets (10) one by one from a lower side; a holder (203) that grips and fixes a binding edge of the booklet (10) fed from the feeder unit (102); an air suction pad (206), an air blow nozzle (207), and a first page-turning bar (204) configured to turn the pages of the booklet (10) one by one while the booklet (10) is fixed by the holder (203); and an image data acquiring means (11) that acquires image data of each page of the booklet (10) using an image pickup camera (106) in synchronization with a turning operation.