Curved Fold Plate Sheet Folder for Compact Document Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet folding apparatuses, particularly in compact machines, face challenges in accommodating various document sizes and lengths due to long fold boxes and damage from curved fold plates, which are not suitable for desk-top or table-top use and often result in document damage during the folding process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folder with a curved fold box that induces an S-shape in the document, featuring a pivotable adjustable backstop and a curved fold plate configuration to minimize damage and accommodate multiple folds within a smaller footprint, allowing for versatile folding of documents into different envelope sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a straight fold box is used, then the folding process is simple and documents are less likely to curve, but the machine occupies a larger footprint and requires special stands
Solution Approach 1:
The fold box employs curved fold plates with a radius of curvature of 5-15mm to guide the document through the folding process. The curvature is designed to match the natural buckling shape of the document, preventing the document from taking on unwanted curved shapes that would cause feeding problems into the exit rollers
2Area of stationary object
If a curved fold box is used to reduce footprint, then the machine becomes more compact, but the document tends to curve and snag causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fold box employs curved fold plates with a radius of curvature of 5-15mm to guide the document through the folding process. The curvature is designed to match the natural buckling shape of the document, preventing the document from taking on unwanted curved shapes that would cause feeding problems into the exit rollers
Solution Approach 2:
The exit rollers are positioned at a specific distance from the back-stop that corresponds to the desired fold length. By adjusting the exit roller position and the back-stop location, the fold length can be precisely controlled while maintaining the curved geometry that prevents document damage
3Adaptability or versatility
If long fold boxes are used to accommodate various document sizes, then versatility is improved, but the machine becomes too large for desk-top or table-top use
Solution Approach 1:
The curved fold plates enable the fold box to be much shorter than traditional straight fold boxes while still accommodating various document sizes. The curvature allows the document to follow a compact path through the folding process
Solution Approach 2:
The back-stop is made adjustable along the curved fold plates, allowing the fold length to be varied dynamically to accommodate different document sizes and folding requirements (V-fold, Z-fold, C-fold) within the same compact machine
4Adaptability or versatility
If larger roller diameters and clearances are used in curved fold plates, then the machine can handle various folds, but the forms become less controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The exit rollers are positioned at a specific distance from the back-stop that corresponds to the desired fold length. By adjusting the exit roller position and the back-stop location, the fold length can be precisely controlled while maintaining the curved geometry that prevents document damage
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folder comprising input rollers, exit rollers and a fold box having a fold plate which is curved substantially along its whole length, wherein the curved fold plate is configured to induce a sheet to curve in two different directions during the folding process.