Copier Platen Cover Securing Originals via Electrostatic Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-sheet-feed copiers require user intervention to handle and collate original sheets after copying, lacking an automated system for collating and depositing them in a receptacle without direct user handling.
Innovation Solution
A single-sheet-feed copier with a hinged cover equipped with means for removably securing an original sheet using static electricity or vacuum suction, allowing automatic collation and deposition into a receptacle by activating and deactivating these securing mechanisms during the copying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-sheet-feed copier is used, then copying operation is simplified, but user intervention is required to handle and collate original sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's own action of placing the next sheet on the platen to automatically trigger the release and deposition of the previously copied sheet into the receptacle, eliminating the need for separate user intervention to handle originals
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects when a new sheet is placed on the platen and uses this feedback signal to automatically activate the sheet release mechanism, creating a closed-loop automated handling system
2Productivity
If copies are deposited in a stack, then copying is efficient, but automatic collation of originals is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system secures each original sheet to the platen before copying, then automatically releases and deposits it in the receptacle in sequence, preliminarily organizing the originals in a collated manner without requiring post-copying user intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The platen acts as an intermediary that temporarily holds and secures original sheets during copying, then facilitates their automatic transfer to the receptacle in an organized sequence
3Extent of automation
If static electricity or vacuum suction is used to secure sheets, then automatic handling is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical clamping or binding mechanisms with electrostatic or vacuum field-based securing methods, which achieve the same sheet retention function with simpler, more reliable components
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls sheet securing by changing electrical or vacuum parameters (electric field strength or vacuum pressure) rather than using complex mechanical adjustments, enabling precise control with simple actuation
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, eliminating the need for user intervention in handling and stacking, improving efficiency and convenience by automatically depositing sheets in a collated manner.
Implementation Method 1
The means for removably securing an original sheet thereto in a controllable manner can be a selection from the group consisting of: a static electricity producing system; and a vacuum suction producing system.
Implementation Method 2
The means for removably securing an original sheet thereto in a controllable manner can be a selection from the group consisting of: a static electricity producing system; and 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.