Flexible Bail Printer Finishing Offset Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current finishing modules for printers require large mechanical components to create offset for print jobs, resulting in a larger device footprint and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible bail system with a rigid portion that can be rotated vertically and a unidirectionally flexible portion to offset print jobs without lateral movement of internal components, using a motor-controlled mechanism that adjusts based on stack height and print job size, allowing for efficient separation and retrieval of print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical moving parts are used to create offset for print jobs, then print job separation is achieved, but device footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical moving parts with a flexible bail system that uses elastic deformation to achieve the same offset function. The flexible bail bends and flexes to create the necessary offset for print job separation without requiring lateral movement of heavy mechanical components, thereby reducing device footprint while maintaining separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bail changes its physical state from rigid to flexible through controlled bending and deformation. By changing the parameter of rigidity to flexibility, the system achieves offset creation without the need for lateral movement, thus reducing the space required while maintaining the print job separation function.
2Ease of operation
If traditional mechanical moving parts are used to create offset, then print job separation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical moving parts with a simpler flexible bail system. This replacement reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs, as the flexible bail can be made from elastic materials that are cheaper and easier to manufacture than precision mechanical components with moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bail is designed as a simpler, potentially disposable component that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to durable mechanical moving parts. The reduced complexity allows for cheaper manufacturing processes and materials, lowering overall device costs.
3Ease of operation
If lateral movement of components is used to offset print jobs, then separation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system requiring lateral movement with a flexible bail that achieves the same separation function through elastic deformation. This substitution eliminates the need for motors, gears, and other complex mechanical components, significantly reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes from a complex mechanical movement system to a simple elastic deformation system. By changing the operational parameter from lateral movement to bending/flexing, the patent dramatically simplifies the device architecture while maintaining the print job separation capability.
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
The flexible bail system simplifies printer components, reduces the device's overall size, and lowers costs by eliminating the need for expensive and space-consuming mechanical moving parts, while maintaining effective print job separation and retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible portion may be flexible in a single direction to remain rigid when not in contact with the print media in the stacker, but begin to flex as portions of the flexible portion contact the print media
Data Source
AI summary
In example implementations, a flexible bail of a printing device is provided. The flexible bail comprises a rigid bail coupled to a rotational motor, a flexible portion and a controller. The flexible portion is coupled to an end of the rigid bail. The flexible portion includes a plurality of segments that are unidirectionally flexible. The controller is communicatively coupled to the rotational motor to control movement of the rigid bail.