Envelope Flap Closing Mechanism for Stiff Envelopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing envelope flap closing systems are limited in accommodating larger and stiffer envelopes due to curved transport paths, which restrict their ability to process and seal envelopes of varying sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular envelope closing system with a moveable flap closing mechanism that operates between a lower and upper position, allowing for the closure of envelope flaps along a first transport path and subsequent sealing along a second path, enabling the processing of larger and stiffer envelopes without requiring curvature in the transport path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If equipment is designed with curved transport paths for efficient letter size envelope processing, then processing efficiency is improved, but the ability to accommodate larger and stiffer envelopes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The transport path configuration is made dynamic by introducing a movable flap closing mechanism that can change the transport path geometry. The mechanism transitions between a first configuration (straight path) for large/stiff envelopes and a second configuration (curved path) for letter size envelopes, allowing the system to adapt its structure based on processing needs rather than being fixed in one geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate transport paths are provided for different envelope sizes, then adaptability to various envelope sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing completely separate transport paths for different envelope sizes, the invention merges multiple path requirements into a single transport path that can be reconfigured. The movable flap closing mechanism allows the same physical path to serve both letter size envelopes (with curvature) and large/stiff envelopes (with straight sections), reducing the number of separate paths needed while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transport path is designed to be multi-functional, serving both letter size envelope processing and large envelope processing through the reconfigurable flap closing mechanism. This universal path eliminates the need for dedicated separate paths for different envelope types, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a straight transport path is used for large envelopes, then the ability to process stiff envelopes is improved, but processing efficiency for letter size envelopes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transport path configuration based on the envelope type being processed. The movable flap closing mechanism transitions between configurations to provide straight path sections when processing stiff/large envelopes and curved paths when processing letter size envelopes, optimizing processing efficiency for each envelope type without sacrificing the other capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for closing opened envelopes flaps against the envelope body includes transporting an envelope in a first direction and parking the envelope in a first parked position. An envelope flap closing mechanism is moved to commence the movement of the envelope flap toward said envelope body. The envelope flap is closed against the envelope body while transporting the envelope in a second direction toward a second parked position. The flap closing mechanism may be moveable from a lower position to an upper position. The envelope flap closing system may include a first transport path of travel for envelopes to be moved seriatim in a first direction from an entrance point to an exit point. A moveable flap closing mechanism is mounted along the path of travel for movement between a lower position and an upper position. The flap closing mechanism has an upper guide surface and a lower guide surface The flap closing mechanism upper guide surface provides a guide surface as part of the first path of travel for envelopes being transported in the first direction when said flap closing mechanism is in said lower position. The flap closing mechanism lower guide surface provides a guide surface as part of a second path of travel for envelopes being transported in a second direction when the flap closing mechanism is in the upper position.