Inclined Compilation Tray for Sheet Ordering in Post-Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing post-processing apparatuses face challenges in arranging sheets in order for booklet formation, particularly when using sheet buffering techniques, as the sheets are not stacked correctly on the compilation tray, leading to incorrect ordering and inefficiencies in the saddle-stitch-binding process.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a buffer unit that transports sheets stacked on top of each other and a compilation tray inclined opposite to the sheet transport direction, ensuring sheets are stacked in order onto the placement surface within the saddle-stitch-binding function unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sheets are transported through a buffer unit for saddle-stitch-binding, then the binding process can be performed, but the sheets are not stacked in correct order on the compilation tray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle-stitch-binding processVSAvoidsheet stacking order

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compilation tray is inclined in the opposite direction to the sheet transport direction. When sheets are transported onto the inclined tray, they naturally slide down and stack in reverse order, which corrects the ordering issue. This inversion of the tray inclination angle relative to transport direction ensures proper sheet sequencing without requiring complex additional mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a buffer unit is used to transport sheets, then sheet handling flexibility is improved, but sheet ordering accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet handling flexibilityVSAvoidsheet ordering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By inclining the compilation tray opposite to the transport direction, the system maintains buffer unit flexibility while automatically correcting sheet order through gravitational sliding. Sheets entering the inclined tray from above naturally arrange themselves in correct sequence as they descend, resolving the ordering accuracy issue without sacrificing buffer handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution introduces a dimensional change by inclining the compilation tray at an angle rather than keeping it horizontal. This angular dimension allows sheets to transition from horizontal transport to angled descent, enabling natural ordering through gravity while maintaining the buffer unit's operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If sheets are transported onto a horizontal compilation tray, then sheet placement is simple, but sheets do not stack in correct order

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompilation tray placement simplicityVSAvoidsheet stacking order

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The compilation tray is inclined opposite to the sheet transport direction, transforming simple horizontal placement into angled placement. This inversion allows sheets to slide down the incline and stack in correct order naturally, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving precise sheet ordering without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11897719B2Post-processing apparatus and image forming system

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A post-processing apparatus includes: a buffer unit that transports sheets such that at least two of the sheets are transported while being stacked on top of one another, the sheets being sent to the buffer unit from an image forming unit; and a compilation tray that is inclined with respect to a direction opposite to a direction in which the sheets are transported in the buffer unit such that the sheets, which are supplied from the buffer unit, are transported into the compilation tray from above the compilation tray and stacked onto a placement surface as a stack of sheets.