Movable Reference Plate Stapling for Variable-Size Sheet Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet binding devices face issues with accurate alignment of sheets of varying sizes due to misalignment of reference plates, which can interfere with the stapler's movement and disrupt the binding process.

Innovation Solution

A sheet binding device with a movable reference plate and a stapling portion that moves along the sheet width direction, utilizing a slide member and slide spring mechanism to adjust the position of the reference plates, ensuring accurate alignment and stapling regardless of sheet size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixed reference plate is used to align sheets, then sheet alignment is achieved, but the stapler cannot move to positions overlapping the reference plate without disturbing alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestapler movement freedomVSAvoidsheet alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference plate is made movable instead of fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. The reference plate can move in the sheet width direction to accommodate the stapler's movement to different stapling positions, preventing interference while maintaining alignment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The reference plate is divided into multiple reference plates positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the stapler to move between different reference plates without being blocked by a single continuous reference structure, enabling flexible stapling position selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reference plates are provided to accommodate different sheet sizes, then alignment for various sheet sizes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various sheet sizesVSAvoidnumber of reference plates

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Reference plates are made movable along the sheet width direction, allowing a single reference plate to serve multiple positions dynamically. This reduces the need for multiple fixed reference plates while maintaining adaptability to different sheet sizes and stapling positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Each movable reference plate is designed to perform multiple functions: aligning sheets of different sizes and allowing the stapler to pass through to reach different stapling positions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of reference plates needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the reference plate width is increased to improve alignment, then sheet alignment stability is improved, but the stapler is more likely to be blocked or disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet alignment stabilityVSAvoidstapler movement accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reference plate width is effectively increased through the addition of multiple reference plates positioned at different locations, while each individual reference plate remains narrow enough to allow stapler passage. The movable nature enables them to coordinate their positions to provide continuous alignment coverage without blocking the stapler path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures precise alignment and stapling of sheets of different sizes by dynamically adjusting the position of the reference plates, preventing interference and ensuring consistent binding quality.

Implementation Method 1

The slide spring biases the slide member in a direction in which the movable reference plate approaches the initial position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring biasing force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20250353699A1Sheet binding device and sheet post-processing apparatus including same

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sheet binding device includes a processing tray, a movable reference plate, a stapling portion, a movement portion, a slide member, and a slide spring. When the stapling portion in an inclined state is moved from a reference position to a stapling position, the movable reference plate moves from an initial position, and when orientation of the stapling portion is shifted from the inclined state to a parallel state, the movable reference plate returns to the initial position. When the orientation of the stapling portion is shifted from the parallel state to the inclined state while the stapling portion is moved from the stapling position to the reference position, the movable reference plate moves from the initial position, and the stapling-side engagement portion separates from the movable engagement member, thereby causing the movable reference plate to return to the initial position.