Inclined Guide Plates for Sheet Stacking Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet processing apparatuses require a large number of components and increased space to accommodate various sheet sizes, leading to higher costs and complexity, as well as increased need for mechanical sensors to detect sheet jamming, which complicates the system and increases costs further.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacking apparatus utilizing inclined guide plates that adjust their gap width to guide sheets onto a stack without requiring multiple conveying paths, incorporating a controller to manage the guide plates' positions and a saddle unit for stapling and a folding unit for folding the stacked sheets, allowing for efficient stacking and processing without the need for extensive component duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching flaps and solenoids are used to accommodate various sheet sizes, then the apparatus can handle different sheet sizes, but the number of components and mounting man-hour increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sheet conveying paths into a single conveying path by using a movable guide plate that can be positioned at different locations along the conveying path. This single guide plate performs the function of multiple switching flaps, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining the ability to handle various sheet sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The movable guide plate serves multiple functions: it guides sheets of different sizes, controls sheet dropping positions, and replaces multiple switching flaps. This multi-functional component reduces device complexity while maintaining versatility in handling different sheet formats
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching flaps and solenoids are used to accommodate various sheet sizes, then the apparatus can handle different sheet sizes, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conveying paths are merged into a single path controlled by a movable guide plate, significantly reducing the space required for the apparatus while maintaining the capability to handle various sheet sizes through positional adjustment of the guide plate
3Reliability
If mechanical sensors are installed for each conveying path to detect sheet jamming, then sheet jamming can be detected, but the cost and mounting man-hour increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sheet jamming detection function from multiple individual sensors and implements it using a single sensor that detects the presence or absence of sheets at a critical position. This single sensor can identify jamming conditions across the entire conveying path without requiring multiple sensors
Solution Approach 2:
A single sensor performs the universal function of detecting sheet presence and identifying jamming conditions throughout the conveying path, replacing multiple specialized sensors and reducing both cost and mounting complexity while maintaining reliable detection
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking apparatus includes a first and a second guide plate having a guide surface inclined to a perpendicular plane to take an open state having a gap of a first interval in a direction crossing the inclination direction and a closed state of a second interval narrower than the first interval, a sheet take-in portion standing by under the first and second guide plates to support sheets dropped from the guide surfaces with the leading edge thereof in a conveying direction directed downward in a standing position, and a controller configured to permit the first and second guide plates to enter the closed state and guide another sheets conveyed following the sheets supported internally by the sheet take-in portion by the guide surfaces and then to enter the open state and drop the another sheets from the gaps onto the preceding sheets.