Folding Roller Speed Control for Blade Withdrawal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing postprocessing devices face challenges in efficiently folding sheaves of sheets without disrupting the operation of folding rollers, particularly due to high friction and the need for excessive force to withdraw the folding blade, which can lead to motor lockage and excessive current issues.
Innovation Solution
The postprocessing device employs a drive controller to manage the rotation of folding rollers, either stopping or slowing them down when withdrawing the folding blade, and restoring the original speed after the blade is removed from the folded portion, while maintaining constant speed during folding operations, depending on the printing method used (ink jet or electrophotography).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the folding blade is moved away from the nip region at high speed, then productivity is improved, but excessive force is required to withdraw the blade which causes motor lockage and excessive current issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the folding blade movable relative to the nip region. The blade can move toward the nip region to enhance folding effect and move away to facilitate withdrawal. This dynamic positioning allows the system to optimize between folding effectiveness and blade removal ease, preventing motor lockage while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of blade position dynamically. By controlling the blade to move between different positions (toward the nip region during folding, away during withdrawal), the system adjusts the friction conditions and force requirements. This parameter change enables smooth blade withdrawal without excessive force, preventing motor lockage and excessive current issues.
2Productivity
If the folding blade is set to move slower than the linear speed of the pair of folding rollers, then the folding operation can be executed without slowing down the rollers, but the blade cannot be withdrawn smoothly from the folded portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the folding blade dynamically positionable, allowing it to move toward the nip region during folding operations and away during withdrawal. This dynamic capability enables the blade to be effectively withdrawn from the folded portion without disrupting the continuous operation of the folding rollers, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the folding operation into distinct phases: folding phase where the blade moves toward the nip region, and withdrawal phase where the blade moves away. This segmentation allows the blade to perform its folding function effectively and then be easily removed without affecting the continuous operation of the folding rollers, maintaining both productivity and operational ease.
3Manufacturing precision
If the folding blade is moved toward the nip region to squeeze the sheaf of sheets, then folding effectiveness is improved, but friction between the blade and sheets increases making withdrawal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the folding blade movable between different positions. The blade moves toward the nip region to achieve precise folding and then moves away to facilitate easy withdrawal. This dynamic positioning allows the system to benefit from high friction during folding (for precise folding position) while avoiding the need to overcome high friction during withdrawal, thus reducing the force required for blade removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by moving the folding blade away from the nip region before withdrawal is needed. This preliminary movement reduces the contact area and friction between the blade and sheets, making the subsequent withdrawal operation easier and requiring less force. The blade is positioned optimally for folding first, then proactively repositioned to facilitate smooth withdrawal.
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 approach prevents motor lockage and excessive current issues, ensuring smooth operation and efficient folding of sheets by adapting to the friction conditions based on the printing method, whether ink jet or electrophotography.
Implementation Method 1
high friction and the need for excessive force to withdraw the folding blade
Data Source
AI summary
A postprocessing device includes a pair of folding rollers, a folding blade, a transport device, a roller driver, a blade driver, and a drive controller. The drive controller selectively performs one of a first rotation control, including controlling the roller driver to keep rotation speed of the pair of folding rollers constant, while the folding blade is moving away from a nip region, and a second rotation control, including controlling the roller driver to stop the rotation or slow down the rotation speed of the pair of folding rollers, while a tip portion of the folding blade is being withdrawn from a folded portion of a sheaf of sheets folded, and to restore the rotation speed of the pair of folding rollers to original rotation speed, after the tip portion of the folding blade has been removed from the folded portion of the sheaf of sheets folded.