Envelope Flap Pivoting Mechanism for High-Speed Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for inserting postal items into envelopes require complex and costly solutions to accurately position envelopes at high speeds, as they must accommodate varying heights and prevent damage during insertion, especially when envelopes are transported quickly to achieve high processing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that feed envelopes with a trailing flap fold, using a flap opener to pivot the flap relative to the envelope body, allowing for precise control of the envelope position without needing specific measures for different envelope heights, and an apparatus with a flap support member to hold the flap open for inserting postal items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If transport members engage the flap to stop envelopes in position, then envelope positioning accuracy is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from the transport mechanism by using a separate positioning member that engages the flap fold, independent of the transport members. This separates the positioning function from the transport function, allowing simple transport members while maintaining accurate positioning through the dedicated positioning member.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a positioning member as an intermediary element that specifically engages the flap fold to control envelope position. This intermediary component mediates between the transport system and the envelope, providing accurate positioning without requiring complex transport members.
2Productivity
If transport members engage the flap for high-speed transport, then processing capacity increases, but envelope positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the envelope engagement into two distinct functions: transport members engage the envelope body for high-speed transport, while a separate positioning member engages the flap fold for accurate positioning. This segmentation allows both high-speed transport and precise positioning to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning member acts as an intermediary that specifically controls flap fold position during high-speed transport, enabling accurate envelope positioning to be maintained even when transport members are optimized for speed rather than precision.
3Reliability
If the envelope body is constrained to prevent damage, then postal item insertion safety improves, but envelope expansion capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the constraint function by applying constraints only to the flap fold through the positioning member, while leaving the envelope body free and unconstrained. This allows the envelope body to expand freely to accommodate postal items of varying sizes while the flap fold remains precisely positioned for safe insertion operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by constraining only the specific location of the flap fold rather than the entire envelope. The positioning member engages only the flap fold to provide localized control, while the envelope body remains completely free to expand and adapt to different postal item sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
In an apparatus for inserting a postal item into an envelope, the envelope is fed with its flap fold trailing its envelope body and its flap along a flap opener. A free flap opener edge enters between the flap and the envelope body until the flap fold abuts the free flap opener edge. While holding the flap against the flap opener, the flap is pivoted relative to the envelope body about the flap fold to an open position and subsequently the postal item is inserted into the envelope body. An apparatus for carrying such a method is also described.