Dual Movable Deflectors for High-Speed Sheet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper handling systems in printers and copiers face inefficiencies in sheet deflection, leading to reduced productivity and handling reliability due to the need for complex deflector mechanisms that hinder continuous sheet flow.
Innovation Solution
A deflecting device with two movable deflectors, one guiding sheets to a secondary outlet and another to a primary outlet, allowing for efficient sheet deflection by retracting from the passing area quickly to enable minimal distance between deflected sheets, ensuring high-speed conveyance and smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single deflector is used to deflect sheets to the secondary outlet, then the deflection function is achieved, but the passing area remains occupied longer preventing consecutive sheets from passing efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting device is divided into two separate deflectors: a first deflector for receiving and deflecting sheets to the secondary outlet, and a second deflector for receiving and deflecting sheets to the primary outlet. This segmentation allows the deflectors to operate independently and simultaneously handle different sheet streams without interfering with each other, thus improving productivity while reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Both deflectors are designed to be movable between different positions (first and second positions) to dynamically adjust their presence in the passing area. The deflectors can be retracted when not needed, allowing sheets to pass through without obstruction, and deployed only when deflection is required. This dynamic behavior minimizes the time the passing area is occupied.
2Reliability
If the deflector remains in the passing area to ensure complete sheet deflection, then deflection reliability is improved, but consecutive sheets cannot follow at minimal distance
Solution Approach 1:
The deflectors are positioned and activated in advance to receive the leading edge of sheets before they fully enter the passing area. By initiating the deflection action early and using movable deflectors that can quickly assume their deflection positions, the system ensures complete and reliable sheet deflection while minimizing the duration of occupying the passing area, allowing consecutive sheets to follow at minimal distance.
3Reliability
If complex deflector mechanisms are used to ensure reliable sheet deflection, then deflection accuracy is improved, but the system becomes less suitable for high-speed continuous sheet flow
Solution Approach 1:
The complex deflection task is segmented into two simpler deflector mechanisms working in parallel. Each deflector handles a specific outlet direction independently, reducing the complexity of individual deflector mechanisms while maintaining overall deflection accuracy. The segmented design allows each deflector to be simpler and more suitable for high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable deflector design replaces complex fixed mechanisms with dynamic, adjustable components. The deflectors can be positioned only when needed and retracted otherwise, simplifying the overall mechanism while ensuring reliable deflection accuracy during active operation. This dynamic approach is better suited for high-speed continuous sheet flow.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c~3d
AI summary
Method for selectively deflecting a conveyed sheet (10b) into one of an outlet path (O) and a side conveying path (R), comprising the steps of: - bringing a first deflector (50) into the main conveying path (M) ahead of the sheet (10b) in a first receiving position (P1) in which a first surface (51) provided on the first deflector (50) is arranged for receiving a leading edge (11b) of the sheet (10b) and guiding the leading edge (11b) towards a first discharge end (52) of the first deflector (50) in a direction deviating from the direction of conveyance along the main conveying path (M); - after receiving the leading edge (11b), moving the first deflector (50) towards a first discharge position (P2) in which the first discharge end (52) is positioned closer to an initial section (63) of the side conveying path (R) than in the first receiving position (P1); - discharging the leading edge (11b) onto the initial section (63) of the side conveying path (R), and - retracting the first deflector (50) from the first discharge position (P2) and the main conveying path (M), followed by the steps of: - bringing a second deflector (70) into the main conveying path (M) ahead of another sheet (10c) in a second receiving position (P3) in which a second surface (71) provided on the second deflector (70) is arranged for receiving a leading edge (11b) of the sheet (10b) and guiding the leading edge (11b) towards a second discharge end (74) of the second deflector (70), thereby preventing the other sheet (10c) from entering the side conveying path (R) and guiding said other sheet (10c) towards the outlet path (O).