Envelope Insertion Device Fixed Pocket High-Speed Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for inserting sheets into envelopes face challenges in achieving high processing speeds due to pivoting mechanisms that lead to fluttering and require complex constructions, as well as needing careful adjustments for varying envelope types and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A non-pivoting device with a mechanism comprising first and second interaction devices, where the second interaction device includes a rotatable shaft with cams that interact with the envelope to facilitate its alignment and support, allowing for high-speed processing without the need for complex adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pivoting packaging pocket is used to feed and remove envelopes, then the device can handle envelope feeding and removal, but the pivoting movements slow down the process and cause fluttering at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed non-pivoting pocket for high-speed processing, and separate feed/removal mechanisms that interact with the pocket without requiring it to pivot. This segmentation allows the pocket to remain stationary while envelopes are fed and removed through coordinated movements of other components.
Solution Approach 2:
A fixed guide element with a convex discharge point acts as an intermediary between the feed mechanism and the non-pivoting pocket. This intermediary component enables envelope transfer to the pocket without requiring the pocket itself to move or pivot, thus maintaining high processing speeds while avoiding fluttering.
2Ease of operation
If a pivoting packaging pocket is used, then envelope feeding and removal can be achieved, but the mechanical construction becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting function is extracted from the pocket and transferred to separate feed and removal mechanisms. The pocket itself remains a simple, fixed component, while the complexity is relocated to the mechanisms that interact with it, simplifying the overall mechanical construction and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed non-pivoting pocket serves as a universal component that can handle different envelope types and sizes. Its stationary design with standardized dimensions allows it to work with various envelope formats, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If a non-pivoting pocket with fixed angles is used, then fluttering is avoided and processing speed increases, but careful adjustment is required after changing envelope types
Solution Approach 1:
While the pocket itself remains fixed, the feed and removal mechanisms incorporate adjustable components that can be dynamically configured for different envelope types. This allows the system to maintain high processing speeds with the fixed pocket while providing flexibility through adjustable interaction elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains fixed geometric parameters for the non-pivoting pocket to avoid fluttering, while allowing parameter changes in the feed and removal mechanisms (such as guide element positions and cam timings) to adapt to different envelope formats. This separation enables high-speed operation with minimal adjustment needs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A device for inserting sheets into an envelope comprises a holding device (10) for supporting the envelope during insertion of the sheets into the envelope, when a support portion (11.1, 11.2, 15) of the holding device (10) is inserted into the envelope in between a front side of the envelope and a back side of the envelope, and a feed device for feeding the envelope to the holding device. The support portion (11.1, 11.2, 15) of the holding device (10) has a fixed orientation and position relative to the feed device and maintains this fixed orientation during feeding of the envelope, insertion of the sheets and removing of the envelope respectively. The device further comprises a mechanism (20, 30, 40) for preparing the envelope for accommodating the support portion (11.1, 11.2, 15) of the holding device (10), the mechanism (20, 30, 40) being arranged upstream of the holding device (10) and comprising a first interaction device (20), acting onto the envelope in a first direction during feeding of the envelope and a second interaction device (30) arranged downstream of the first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a second direction during feeding of the envelope, the second direction being essentially opposite to the first direction. The second interaction (30) device comprises at least one cam (32) on a rotatable shaft (31), wherein by rotation of the shaft (31) the at least one cam (32) may be brought into an interaction position, where the cam (32) interacts with the envelope, and into a inactive position, where the cam (32) does not interact with the envelope.