Post-Processing Cutter Airflow Control for Uniform Edge Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of cut edges in a collection box of a post-processing device is uneven, leading to positional inconsistencies within the box.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus equipped with a cutter, a collection container, and a blower that blows gas into the container, with a processor controlling the wind pressure to periodically change the air flow, and through-holes in the side parts of the container to distribute the edges evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If edges are collected in a collection box without positional change, then the collection process is simple, but the edges accumulate unevenly inside the box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a blower to generate airflow that moves edges within the collection box. The blower creates a gas flow field that transports cut edges from their initial drop positions to more uniformly distributed positions, resolving the uneven accumulation problem through pneumatic action without complicating the collection mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the collection environment by introducing gas flow with varying wind pressures. The processor controls the blower to periodically adjust wind pressure parameters, creating dynamic airflow conditions that prevent edges from settling in fixed patterns and promote uniform distribution
2Stability of the object's composition
If wind pressure is constantly fixed, then the system operation is stable, but edges accumulate in constant similar positions
Solution Approach 1:
The processor controls the blower to periodically change wind pressure at predetermined intervals. This periodic variation in airflow strength creates changing flow patterns that prevent edges from consistently following the same trajectories, thereby distributing them more uniformly while maintaining overall system stability through controlled, rhythmic variations
3Manufacturing precision
If gas is blown into the collection container, then edge distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower serves multiple functions: it generates the gas flow needed for edge distribution, and can be integrated with existing ventilation or cooling systems in the post-processing apparatus. The processor provides centralized control for both the blower and cutter operations, making the control system multi-functional and reducing overall device complexity despite adding the blowing function
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
The unevenness in edge accumulation is suppressed by periodically changing the wind pressure and airflow direction, enhancing the distribution of cut edges within the collection container.
Implementation Method 1
a blower that blows gas into the collection container
Implementation Method 2
at least one processor configured to change a wind pressure of the gas blown by the blower
Implementation Method 3
a heater that heats the toner image formed on the recording medium from which the edge is cut
Implementation Method 4
a suction fan that suctions gas surrounding the heater
Data Source
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AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes a cutter that cuts an edge of a transported recording medium, a collection container that is disposed below the cutter and that collects the edge when the edge cut by the cutter falls downward, and a blower that blows gas into the collection container.