Movable Liquid Applier for Stronger Auto and Manual Crimp Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium processing apparatuses struggle to apply liquid effectively to sheets of paper bound by crimping, especially in manual binding scenarios, leading to weakened binding strength.
Innovation Solution
A liquid application device that can be detachably attached to an image forming apparatus, capable of applying liquid to both auto-bound and manually bound sheets, utilizing a contact member and sprayer to ensure thorough liquid application to binding positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a liquid applier is integrated into a medium processing apparatus for auto binding, then binding strength is enhanced for conveyed sheets, but the device cannot apply liquid to manually inserted sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid applier is designed with a universal applicator head that can function in both automatic and manual binding modes. The same liquid application mechanism serves dual purposes: applying liquid to conveyed sheets in auto binding mode and to manually inserted sheets in manual binding mode, eliminating the need for separate liquid application systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid applier incorporates a movable applicator head that can dynamically adjust its position and operation mode. The applicator head can move between different positions to accommodate both auto binding (where sheets are conveyed) and manual binding (where sheets are statically inserted), allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions.
2Quantity of substance
If binding teeth pinch a sheet bundle with many sheets, then binding is attempted, but binding teeth cannot bite into the bundle effectively
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid is applied to the sheets in the sheet bundle before the binding teeth attempt to bite into the bundle. This preliminary liquid application softens the paper fibers and reduces friction, enabling the binding teeth to effectively penetrate and grip even thick bundles of sheets that would otherwise be too rigid for effective binding.
3Strength
If liquid is applied to sheets before crimping, then binding strength is enhanced, but manual binding sheets cannot receive liquid treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid applier is designed to automatically detect and adapt to the binding mode (auto or manual). In manual binding mode, the system allows the user to insert sheets manually while the liquid applier automatically applies liquid to the appropriate positions, eliminating the need for separate manual liquid application steps and maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enhances binding strength in both auto and manual binding processes by ensuring consistent liquid application, improving the integrity of sheet bundles.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid applier that applies liquid in advance to the position with which binding teeth have contact on a sheet of paper
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A liquid application device (20, 20') for applying liquid to a plurality of media to be crimped by a crimping device includes a liquid applier (24) and a liquid-applier moving mechanism (25). The liquid applier (24) applies liquid to the plurality of media. The liquid-applier moving mechanism (25) moves the liquid applier (24) to a first position at which the liquid applier (24) applies liquid to a medium on a conveyance path in the liquid application device (20, 20') and a second position at which the liquid applier (24) applies liquid to the plurality of media inserted through a liquid application slit of the liquid application device (20, 20').