Media Conveyance Guide Control to Block Binder-Side Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium processing apparatuses face the issue of foreign matter mixing from the ejection tray to the binder side through the conveyance passage, leading to improper binding or damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A medium processing apparatus with a stacker, liquid applier, post-processor, ejector, and guide, controlled by a control unit, to manage the conveyance passage opening and apply liquid to prevent foreign matter ingress, using a liquid applier to apply liquid to media before binding and a crimper to bind without staples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyance passage is opened to allow media to pass from the stacker to the ejection tray, then media can be conveyed and stacked, but foreign matter can enter from the ejection tray side to the binder side
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance passage is divided into two separate passages: a first conveyance passage for media and a second conveyance passage for the binder. This segmentation prevents foreign matter from the ejection tray side from entering the binder side, while still allowing efficient media conveyance through the first passage.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component to control and separate the conveyance paths. The guide member directs media through the first conveyance passage while preventing foreign matter from the ejection tray from entering the second conveyance passage where the binder operates.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the conveyance passage remains closed to prevent foreign matter entry, then foreign matter contamination is prevented, but media cannot be conveyed for stacking and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is segmented into two independent passages that can operate simultaneously. The first passage remains open for media conveyance while the second passage remains closed or controlled to prevent foreign matter entry, allowing both functions to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member dynamically adjusts the conveyance path based on operational requirements, allowing the system to maintain productivity through the first passage while preventing contamination in the second passage where the binder is located.
3Ease of operation
If foreign matter enters the binder area, then binding quality deteriorates and components may be damaged, but opening the passage is necessary for media conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the conveyance passage into two separate paths, the system ensures reliable media flow through the first passage while protecting the binding process integrity in the second passage from foreign matter contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member acts as an intermediary that facilitates easy media operation through the first passage while simultaneously protecting the binder area from foreign matter, ensuring both operational ease and binding reliability.
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
Prevents foreign matter from mixing, ensuring proper binding and protecting components, enhancing the reliability and integrity of the binding process.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid applier that applies liquid to at least one of the multiple media on the stacker
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A medium processing apparatus (3) includes a stacker (22), a liquid applier (31), a post-processor (32), an ejector (26), a guide (93), and a control unit (100). The stacker (22) stacks multiple media (Pb) including a medium (P). The liquid applier (31) applies liquid to the multiple media (Pb). The post-processor (32) performs a given process on the multiple media (Pb). The ejector (26) stacks the multiple media (Pb) on which the given process is performed by the post-processor (32). The guide (93) opens and closes a conveyance passage (Ph2). The control unit (100) is to control the guide (93) to open the conveyance passage (Ph2) to a first opening amount, and to control the guide (93) to open the conveyance passage (Ph2) a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount to control the liquid applier (31) to apply the liquid to the medium (P).