Dynamic Reference Fence for Sheet Impact Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet handling apparatuses cause impact damage to sheets during end-face binding due to the kinetic energy generated when sheets come into contact with a reference fence, especially for heavy or soft sheets, as the falling velocity and weight result in significant impact.

Innovation Solution

The reference fence is moved to a position close to the sheet discharge unit based on sheet information such as size, thickness, and stiffness, allowing the sheet to contact the fence before its kinetic energy becomes large, and the fence's position is adjusted to align the sheet upper section, reducing the impact upon contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the sheet is discharged into the end-face binding processing tray and allowed to fall due to gravity to contact the reference fence, then the sheet alignment in the conveying direction is achieved, but impact damage occurs on the edge face of the sheet due to kinetic energy from falling velocity and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet alignmentVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reference fence is moved upward in advance to a predetermined position above the initial position before the sheet is discharged. This preliminary action reduces the falling distance and kinetic energy of the sheet, allowing it to contact the fence with minimal impact while still achieving proper alignment in the conveying direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reference fence is made movable in the sheet conveying direction rather than being fixed. The fence position is dynamically adjusted based on sheet characteristics (weight, size, stiffness) to optimize the contact timing and minimize impact damage while maintaining alignment functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the reference fence is positioned at the initial location for all sheet types, then the structure remains simple, but heavy or soft sheets suffer significant impact damage due to their falling velocity and weight

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameter of the reference fence is changed based on sheet characteristics. For heavy or soft sheets, the fence is positioned higher to reduce falling distance and kinetic energy. For lighter or stiffer sheets, the fence can be positioned at the initial location, thus adapting the system to different sheet types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach minimizes the impact on the sheet's edge face, preventing damage by controlling the reference fence's position and timing to match the sheet's falling velocity, thus reducing the kinetic energy absorbed upon contact.

Implementation Method 1

there is a possibility that, when the sheet is brought into contact with the reference fence, damage to the edge face of the sheet due to the impact to the reference fence. It is considered that the impact damage is caused by the kinetic energy of the sheet that is generated when the sheet comes into contact with the reference fence.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy:

Data Source

PatentEP2520527B1Sheet handling apparatus, image forming system, and sheet reception control method

Publication Date: 2016.11.09 RICOH CO LTD

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AI summary

A sheet handling apparatus (PD) includes a sheet reception unit (F) configured to receive a sheet; an alignment unit (51a, 51b) configured to align the sheet in a conveying direction of the sheet, a trailing edge of the sheet in the conveying direction coming into contact with the alignment unit (51a, 51b); and a moving unit configured to move the alignment unit (51a, 51b) along the sheet reception unit (F) in the conveying direction. A first position for aligning and binding sheets and a second position located above the first position in the sheet reception unit (F) are set for the alignment unit (51a, 51b) as receiving positions at which the sheet is received from the sheet reception unit (F).