Compact Sheet Bundle Binding Apparatus with Integrated Stapling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet bundle binding apparatuses require multiple stapling units, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for a separate stapling unit for manual setting and binding processes, making them less compact and efficient.

Innovation Solution

A sheet bundle binding processing apparatus with a manual setting portion, a binding device, a first driving portion above the setting portion, and a second driving portion below, allowing for compact design by integrating the driving mechanisms within the apparatus housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate stapling unit is arranged at the manual setting portion, then the binding capability for manually set sheet bundles is achieved, but the apparatus size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding capabilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stapling unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can bind sheet bundles that are automatically fed from the image forming apparatus and also bind manually set sheet bundles at the manual setting portion. This eliminates the need for separate stapling units for different binding operations, thereby reducing apparatus size and cost while maintaining binding versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual setting portion is integrated into the external casing of the apparatus, merging the manual binding function with the existing apparatus structure. The stapling unit serves both automated and manual binding operations, combining multiple binding capabilities into a single integrated system rather than using separate dedicated units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stapling units are arranged for manual and automatic binding, then all binding operations can be performed, but the apparatus becomes less compact and more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding operation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of stapling units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single stapling unit is designed to handle both automated binding operations from the image forming apparatus and manual binding operations at the manual setting portion. This universal design allows one stapling unit to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated units, reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining full binding operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9340391B2Sheet bundle binding processing apparatus and image forming system having the same

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 CANON FINETECH NISCA INC

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus which can be structured small and compact while a setting portion for manually setting a sheet bundle from the outside is arranged at an external casing. The present invention comprises a sheet bundle binding processing apparatus including a manual setting portion to which a sheet bundle is inserted, a binding device which binds a sheet bundle inserted to the manual setting portion, a first driving portion, and a second driving portion; the first driving portion and the second driving portion being arranged respectively at the upper side and the lower side as sandwiching the manual setting portion.