Copier Hinged Cover for Automatic Sheet Collation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-sheet-feed copiers require user intervention to handle and collate copied original sheets, which is inefficient and lacks automation for collating multiple copies.
Innovation Solution
A single-sheet-feed copier system with a hinged cover that removably secures original sheets using static electricity or vacuum suction, allowing automatic collation by activating and deactivating the securing means to deposit sheets into a receptacle as new sheets are entered.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-sheet-feed copier is used to copy multiple original sheets, then copies can be made sequentially, but the user must manually handle and collate the original sheets after copying, which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The copier system automatically handles the original sheets through self-service mechanisms. The hinged cover with securing means automatically captures, holds, and deposits original sheets into the receptacle without requiring user intervention for each sheet handling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically securing original sheets to the hinged cover during the copying process, preparing them for automatic deposition into the receptacle before the user needs to intervene
2Extent of automation
If the hinged cover is used to secure original sheets automatically, then collation is achieved without user handling, but additional securing means must be added to the copier system
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged cover is given multiple functions: it serves as both the access cover for the copy stage and as a sheet securing and transport mechanism. By integrating the securing means into the existing hinged cover structure, the system achieves automatic sheet handling without adding completely separate complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The securing means is merged with the hinged cover structure, combining the sheet holding function with the existing cover mechanism. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate securing and covering mechanisms
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
Enables automatic handling and collation of original sheets without user intervention, improving efficiency by allowing consecutive sheets to be deposited in a collated manner within the copier's receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
said hinged cover having means for removably securing an original sheet thereto in a controllable manner... a static electricity producing system
Implementation Method 2
said hinged cover having means for removably securing an original sheet thereto in a controllable manner... a vacuum suction producing system
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for application in single-sheet-feed copiers that automatically tends to the handling of original sheets after they are sequentially and individually placed into the single sheet-feed copier, including depositing the original sheets in a receptacle in a collated manner, without the requirement of direct handling of the original sheets by a user to achieve the collation.