Franking Machine Print Head Positioning for C6 Mail Formats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing franking machines are unable to process and transfer C6 mail items from a stack to the printing position due to a lack of mechanical or frictional locking transport mechanisms, limiting their ability to handle smaller formats like C6 and other mixed formats.
Innovation Solution
A franking machine with a movement-controlled print head that adjusts its position based on the format length of the mail item, using sensors and a controller to ensure reliable semiautomatic or fully automatic processing for all format sizes, including smaller formats like C6, by measuring the mail item length and triggering the printing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple manually operable franking machine with a lateral outlet is used, then the machine structure remains simple, but C6 mail items cannot reach the printing position or be transferred into it due to the short longitudinal edge
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying device is designed with dynamic elements including a switchable diverter section that can change conveying direction, and a movement-controlled print head that adjusts its position based on mail item format length. These dynamic components enable the system to adapt to different mail formats (including C6) while maintaining automated operation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
2Device complexity
If a conveying device without mechanical or frictional locking transport is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but C6 mail items cannot be mechanically locked or frictionally locked for transport into the printing position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a sensor-based detection and control system. The sensor detects the presence and format of mail items, and the controller automatically adjusts the print head position and triggers printing at the correct location. This substitution maintains transport reliability for C6 items while avoiding the need for complex mechanical or frictional locking mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If the print head is movement-controlled based on mail item format length, then printing processing can be carried out in a fully automatic and synchronized manner for all format sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensor feedback to detect mail item format and provide this information to the controller. The controller then automatically adjusts the print head position based on the detected format length. This feedback loop enables fully automatic synchronized printing for all formats while keeping the control system manageable through intelligent sensor-controller integration rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for franking mail items fed to a franking machine. The mail items are drawn from the underside of a stack for separation or are fed individually on a conveying section upstream of the franking machine to a printing unit for franking, after franking, are discharged in the opposite direction from the printing unit. The mail items are fed via a diverter section to the conveying section, after franking, are conveyed via the diverter section which is switched over to change the conveying direction into a depositing apparatus below the diverter section. The mail items are guided in the opening region of the franking machine into the printing position and are returned out of the printing position. The printing position of a mail item fed to the printing unit is determined by a print head movement-controlled from a readiness position pursuant to the format length of the mail item.