Compact Sheet Processing Apparatus with Simplified Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses with bookbinding functions are bulky, complex, and costly due to their large size and intricate mechanisms, making them inefficient and less widely used despite advancements in image forming technologies.
Innovation Solution
A compact sheet processing apparatus comprising a receiver, aligner, stapler, loading table, and pusher, which aligns, staples, and loads sheets efficiently, utilizing a simplified cam and fast return mechanism to reduce complexity and increase compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional sheet processing apparatuses include conveying and aligning systems with many mechanisms and parts, then bookbinding function is achieved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a receiving unit for accepting sheets, an aligning unit for positioning sheets, a stapling unit for bookbinding, and a discharging unit for outputting processed sheets. Each module performs a specific function with minimal components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential functions needed for bookbinding (receiving, aligning, stapling, discharging) and eliminates unnecessary conveying and aligning mechanisms found in conventional apparatuses. This extraction of core functions reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure
2Ease of manufacture
If sheet processing apparatuses include complex driving systems with many mechanisms, then bookbinding function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aligning unit utilizes the sheet's own weight and geometry to achieve automatic positioning without complex driving mechanisms. The stapling unit employs a simple actuating mechanism that self-returns to its initial position, eliminating the need for additional motors or complex control systems for each operation
3Ease of manufacture
If sheet processing apparatuses occupy substantial space, then bookbinding function is achieved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into compact units: the receiving unit and aligning unit are integrated, as are the stapling unit and discharging unit. This merging of functions reduces the overall footprint of the apparatus while maintaining all necessary bookbinding capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus includes a receiver, an aligner, a stapler, a loading table, and a pusher. The receiver is configured to receive sheets. The aligner is configured to align the sheets. The stapler is configured to staple the aligned sheets. The loading table is configured to load the stapled sheets. The pusher is configured to push the stapled sheets from the stapler toward the loading table.