Dual Stapler Sheet Post-Processing Apparatus with Movable Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet post-processing apparatuses face challenges in ensuring appropriate binding strength when manual stapling is performed, as users often do not know whether the sheets can be bound by the first or second stapler, leading to potential issues with sheet thickness and binding process interference.

Innovation Solution

A sheet post-processing apparatus with a first stapler and a second stapler having different front recess widths, where the alignment member can move to guide sheets to specific positions for either stapler, allowing users to recognize the suitable stapler based on sheet thickness, ensuring secure binding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single stapler is used for binding sheets, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot handle sheets of different thicknesses appropriately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different sheet thicknessesVSAvoidstructure with multiple staplers and alignment members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding device is segmented into a first stapler and a second stapler, each capable of handling different sheet thicknesses. The alignment members are also segmented into multiple types (first and second alignment members) that can be selectively positioned. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to varying sheet thickness requirements without requiring a completely different device for each case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning based on the binding requirements. The control unit dynamically selects which alignment members to activate and positions them appropriately before each binding operation. This dynamic capability enables the system to handle both thin and thick sheets using the same physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If manual stapling is performed without guiding sheets to specific positions, then the operation is simple, but users cannot determine which stapler is suitable for the sheet thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding strength and appropriatenessVSAvoiduser ability to select appropriate stapler

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Alignment members serve as intermediaries between the user and the staplers. These alignment members physically guide the sheets to the appropriate position corresponding to the selected stapler's capability. By introducing this intermediary guiding mechanism, the system reliably ensures that thin sheets are directed to the first stapler and thick sheets to the second stapler, eliminating user uncertainty about which stapler to use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual user judgment and selection with an automated control mechanism. The control unit detects sheet characteristics and automatically positions the appropriate alignment members to guide sheets to the correct stapler, substituting mechanical user decision-making with an automated control system that ensures reliable binding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If sheets are not aligned properly before binding, then the alignment process is eliminated, but binding strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding strengthVSAvoidalignment member moving mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different alignment members provide different local alignment qualities suited for different binding scenarios. The first alignment member is optimized for guiding sheets to the first stapler, while the second alignment member is optimized for the second stapler. Each alignment member creates a localized guiding structure that ensures proper sheet positioning for its corresponding stapler, maintaining binding strength through appropriate local alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11274010B2Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming system equipped with same

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a first stapler and a second stapler having different thicknesses of sheets on which a binding process can be performed. A control unit can perform a manual staple mode. If the first stapler is selected as a stapler for performing the binding process in the manual staple mode, the control unit controls the alignment member moving mechanism to move alignment members to a position defining a first insertion position for guiding the sheets to a first placing position. If the second stapler is selected, the control unit controls the alignment member moving mechanism to move the alignment members to a position defining a second insertion position for guiding the sheets to a second placing position.