Franking Machine Package Switch Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing franking and printing devices face challenges in efficiently and reliably processing packages, particularly in guiding them from a conveyor line to a franking machine and back to a depositing device, with complex constructions and potential disruptions in the processing sequence.
Innovation Solution
A method and device where packages are supplied to a franking machine via a switch and returned counter to the supply direction using a transposed switch to a depositing device, with a switch tongue controlling the conveyor direction, allowing for a simpler, more compact, and reliable processing system. The switch tongue can be independently adjusted and controlled to handle packages of varying thickness and format, ensuring undisturbed transport and efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If packages are supplied to a franking machine via a complex guiding system, then the transfer reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by having the conveyor belt reverse its direction to return printed packages to the depositing device. Instead of using a separate return conveyor, the same conveyor belt that supplies packages to the franking machine is reversed to bring printed packages back, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable package transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt serves multiple functions: it supplies packages to the franking machine in the forward direction and returns printed packages to the depositing device in the reverse direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate conveyors for supply and return, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable package handling.
2Reliability
If a separate return conveyor is used to bring printed packages back to the depositing device, then the package handling reliability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for a separate return conveyor by reversing the direction of the supply conveyor belt. The same conveyor that brings packages to the franking machine is inverted to return printed packages to the depositing device, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable package handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply conveyor and return conveyor functions are merged into a single conveyor belt system. The conveyor performs both supply and return operations by reversing its direction, consolidating multiple functions into one component and thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the switch actuation is not synchronized with the printing sequence, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the productivity decreases due to disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by synchronizing the switch actuation with the printing sequence of the franking machine. The system monitors the printing cycle and actuates the switch at the appropriate moment to transfer packages, ensuring that package supply and return operations are coordinated with the printing process. This synchronization eliminates disruptions and maintains high productivity while preserving operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for franking packages individually supplied from a stack on a conveyor line to a franking machine, such as envelopes, mailing bags, sleeves, cards, labels, printed products, or the like, which are removed at the lower side of the stack for separation and which are supplied on the upstream conveyor line to a printing mechanism of the franking machine and which, after printing of the packages, are discharged from the franking machine. The packages are supplied on the conveyor portion via a switch to the franking machine and after printing are supplied counter to the supply direction from the printing mechanism of the franking machine via the transposed switch of a depositing device which is provided therebelow for printed packages.