Extensible Liquid Supplier for Reciprocating Application Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medium processing apparatuses face challenges in ensuring that the liquid supply passage follows the movement of the liquid application unit without hindering the flow of liquid, particularly during reciprocating movements.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a liquid supplier with an extensible member featuring an elastic cylindrical part, which extends in the reciprocating direction of the mover, allowing the liquid supply passage to follow the movement of the liquid application unit without obstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a supply tube with a bellows portion is used to allow the liquid application unit to move reciprocally, then the liquid application unit can move in the width direction, but the supply tube becomes bent in a complicated manner and hinders liquid flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement range of liquid application unitVSAvoidliquid flow in supply tube
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supply tube is configured to be movable in the reciprocating direction of the liquid application unit, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and follow the movement of the liquid application unit without becoming bent or obstructed, thus maintaining reliable liquid flow while accommodating the full movement range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The supply tube is divided into a movable portion and a fixed portion, with the movable portion capable of moving in the reciprocating direction. This segmentation allows the supply tube to adapt to the movement of the liquid application unit while maintaining a stable connection and ensuring uninterrupted liquid flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the supply tube follows the reciprocating movement of the liquid application unit, then the liquid application unit can move freely, but the supply tube becomes bent and causes problems in movement and liquid flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement of liquid application unitVSAvoidconfiguration of supply tube
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supply tube incorporates a movable portion that can move in the reciprocating direction, dynamically adjusting its configuration to follow the liquid application unit's movement without becoming bent. This simplifies the overall system operation while maintaining ease of movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A movable portion acts as an intermediary between the fixed supply tube and the liquid application unit, absorbing the reciprocating movement and allowing both the supply tube and liquid application unit to function without interference or complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration ensures uninterrupted liquid flow and unimpeded movement of the liquid application unit, enhancing the binding process by maintaining the integrity of the liquid supply system.

Implementation Method 1

The extensible member has an elastic cylindrical part on at least a part of the liquid supplier. The extensible member extends in the reciprocating direction of the mover.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4435523B1Medium processing apparatus and image forming system incorporating same
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP4435523B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4435523B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4435523B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A medium processing apparatus (3) includes a liquid applier (31), a post-processing device (32), a liquid storage unit (44, 47), a mover (35), and a liquid supplier (45, 46). The liquid applier (31) applies liquid to at least one medium (P). The post-processing device (32) performs a given process on a bundle of media (Pb). The liquid storage unit (44, 47) stores the liquid to be supplied to the liquid applier (31). The mover (35) causes the liquid applier (31) to move in a reciprocating direction. The liquid supplier (45, 46) supplies the liquid from the liquid storage unit (44, 47) to the liquid applier (31) and includes an extensible member (453) having an elastic cylindrical part on at least a part of the liquid supplier (45, 46). The extensible member (453) extends in the reciprocating direction of the mover (35).