Automatic Document Stuffing System with Code Verification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current automatic stuffing systems for printed documents face issues such as web tears, jamming, non-conforming units, and increased costs due to frequent format changes and reiterations, especially when handling sensitive data and varying destinations, leading to inefficiencies and delayed deliveries.

Innovation Solution

The method and system allow for printing and processing a single reel for a client without manual loading, enabling immediate processing of single sheets with non-read codes, reducing setup times and costs, and ensuring simultaneous delivery of all envelopes while managing sensitive data effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a printed typographical reel is processed by the automatic stuffing system, then documents can be automatically separated and stuffed, but web tears and jamming occur causing non-conforming units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic processing speedVSAvoidconformity of document units
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The verifying device reads the identifying code of each document unit and provides feedback to the reject device. Non-conforming units are automatically detected and rejected based on this feedback mechanism, ensuring that only conforming units proceed while maintaining high processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-verification through the verifying device that automatically reads identifying codes and determines conformity without human intervention. The reject device automatically removes non-conforming units, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain reliability at high speeds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stuffing system processes multiple clients with different formats, then service coverage is improved, but setup times and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice coverage for multiple clientsVSAvoidsetup time between format changes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-organizes document units by destination postcode sequence before stuffing. By preliminarily sorting documents according to their destination codes and maintaining this sequence throughout processing, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming reconfiguration when switching between clients with different destinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic stuffing system is designed to universally handle multiple client formats and destination sequences through its code-reading and automatic sorting capabilities. The system can process any client's documents by reading their identifying codes and automatically organizing them according to destination, making it adaptable to various clients without requiring manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If non-conforming units are rejected and reprinted, then quality is improved, but production time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of document unitsVSAvoidproduction time and costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The verifying device provides immediate feedback on the conformity of each document unit by reading its identifying code. This real-time feedback allows the system to identify and reject non-conforming units instantly, preventing them from proceeding further and enabling quick correction without significant production delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual inspection and reprocessing with an automated verifying device that optically reads identifying codes and an automatic reject device. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated systems significantly reduces the time and cost overhead associated with quality control and reprocessing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If documents are folded to fit envelopes, then stuffing efficiency is improved, but web tears and sheet jamming increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestuffing efficiencyVSAvoidweb tears and sheet jamming
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs verification of document unit conformity before the folding and stuffing operations. By identifying and rejecting potentially problematic units beforehand through code reading and verification, the system prevents web tears and sheet jamming from occurring during the subsequent folding and stuffing processes, thus maintaining high stuffing efficiency without increased defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2895413B1Method for automatic stuffing of printed documents and automatic stuffing system of printed documents
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 CMC SRL
  • EP2895413B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and a system for automatic stuffing of printed documents (2) into corresponding envelopes (5), the documents being sequentially printed on a web (101) of a typographic reel (1), the first page of each document bearing an identifying code (22). The system comprises: an unreeling and separating device (10, 11) of the web; a storing device (12); a stuffing device (13; an envelope-verifying device (14); a reject device (15) for non-conforming envelopes; processing means (16) for detecting a code of a document relating to a non-conforming envelope; printing means (17) for printing the document on single sheets (20); and single sheet supply means for printing the document on single sheets; and feeding means (18) of single sheets activatable for supplying the storing device with the printed sheets via the printing means. The method includes printing the document on single sheets; and the successive use of single printed sheets by means of the printing means, so as to obtain a conforming envelope for each relative document.