Flat Clinch Anvil Assembly with Reciprocating Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flat clinch staplers require complex external linkages for the clinching action, limiting their design simplicity and functionality, such as not allowing the stapler base to be opened independently for use as a tacker.
Innovation Solution
A simplified flat clinch mechanism where the staple legs' motion directly triggers the bending of the clinching arms, eliminating the need for external linkages by using reciprocating arms pivotally mounted within the anvil slot, which are resiliently biased to deflect and create a temporary anvil cavity for staple legs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a typical loop type anvil is used to bend staple legs, then the stapling function is effective, but the looped legs protrude from the paper stack causing increased thickness and reduced storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of bending the staple legs into a loop that protrudes outward, the patent inverts the clinch configuration to create a flat clinch where the legs are bent parallel to the paper stack surface, eliminating the protruding loop and reducing the overall thickness of the stapled package
2Volume of moving object
If a flat clinch design with two distinct stages is used, then a compact assembly of stacks is achieved, but the mechanism requires complex external linkages to coordinate the bending step with the ejection step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anvil base and the secondary clinching mechanism into a single integrated unit. The anvil arms are directly mounted on the base and perform the clinching action automatically as the staple legs pass through, eliminating the need for separate external linkages that would otherwise be required to coordinate the bending step with the ejection step
Solution Approach 2:
The anvil arms are designed to automatically perform the clinching action through their own resilient motion. As the staple legs are ejected and pass through the anvil slot, the resilient arms naturally deflect and bend the legs flat against the paper stack without requiring external actuation, making the system self-sufficient
3Ease of operation
If complex external linkages are used to enable flat clinching, then the clinching action is achieved, but the stapler base cannot be opened independently for use as a tacker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stapler into independent functional modules: the main body containing the ejection mechanism and the base containing the anvil with clinching arms. This segmentation allows the base to be detached and used independently as a tacker, as there are no complex linkages connecting the base to the body that would prevent independent operation
4Reliability
If loop type clinch is used, then the stapling function is reliable, but excess extra energy is consumed since the wire is bent upon an extended portion of its length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional loop configuration to create a flat clinch configuration. This inversion changes the bending geometry from an extended loop formation to a compact flat bend, reducing the length of wire that must be deformed and thereby reducing the energy required for the clinching operation while maintaining reliable fastening
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 design enables a more compact and versatile stapler with reduced complexity, allowing the stapler base to be rotated independently and enabling efficient flat clinching without external actuation, thus improving storage capacity and usability.
Implementation Method 1
reciprocating arms pivotally mounted within the anvil slot, which are resiliently biased to deflect and create a temporary anvil cavity for staple legs
Implementation Method 2
the action is similar to a basic loop type anvil where the movement of the staple legs inherently causes the legs to bend
Data Source
AI summary
A flat clinch assembly fits upon or within a base of a stapling device. The assembly preferably includes a slot with extended resiliently biased arms or toggles, where a rest position has the arms at or near a level of a working surface. An ejecting staple deflects and energizes the arms to cause the arms to rotate and create a clearance recess whereby points of the staple legs slide inward along the anvil. A restorative bias acting on the arms causes the arms to rebound to a rest position and to bend the legs upward. The legs thereby are normally pressed flat against the back sheet of a paper stack at the working surface. The arms or toggles are lightweight whereby the inertia of a fast-moving staple moves the arms or toggles. The toggle may include an upward facing staple leg guide channel.