Paddle Control for Sheet Alignment in Post Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face challenges in accurately aligning sheets in the direction orthogonal to the sheet width during post-processing operations, such as stapling, due to insufficient control over the rotational speed of paddles, leading to potential misalignment and noise issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a paddle system with a rotational shaft that rotates at different speeds to align sheets, utilizing a first speed for initial movement and a slower second speed for precise alignment, with a second paddle for additional alignment if necessary, and adjusts speeds based on sheet type to prevent slipping and ensure accurate alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the paddle rotates at high speed to move sheets quickly, then productivity is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The paddle's rotational speed is dynamically adjusted based on the alignment stage. During initial sheet movement, the paddle rotates at high speed to maintain productivity. When alignment is required, the rotational speed is reduced to a lower level, allowing precise alignment without compromising overall processing efficiency. This dynamic speed adjustment resolves the contradiction between productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational speed parameter of the paddle is changed according to the operational phase. The controller adjusts the rotation speed from high (for rapid sheet movement) to low (for precise alignment). This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high productivity during transport and high precision during alignment, resolving the technical contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the paddle rotates at low speed for precise alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts paddle rotation speed based on operational needs. During alignment operations, the speed is reduced to ensure precision. During sheet transport, the speed increases to maintain productivity. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to achieve both high precision alignment and high overall productivity without compromising either aspect permanently.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle operates in periodic cycles of high-speed movement followed by low-speed alignment phases. This periodic action pattern allows the system to rapidly move sheets between stations and then perform precise alignment when needed, maintaining overall productivity while achieving required precision during critical alignment periods.
3Device complexity
If a single paddle is used for alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented into multiple paddles (first paddle and second paddle) that perform alignment at different stages or positions. This segmentation increases reliability by providing multiple alignment opportunities and reducing the burden on a single paddle, while the overall system complexity remains manageable through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple paddles are designed with similar structures and control mechanisms, allowing them to perform the same alignment function at different locations or stages. This multi-functionality approach increases reliability through redundancy while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as each paddle uses the same proven design.
4Manufacturing precision
If the paddle contacts sheets forcefully to ensure alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational speed parameter of the paddle is reduced during alignment contact phases. This speed reduction decreases the force of contact between the paddle and sheets, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining alignment precision through controlled, gentle contact rather than forceful impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle uses periodic contact patterns rather than continuous forceful contact. By timing the contact to occur at specific moments in the rotation cycle and using lower speeds during contact phases, the system achieves precise alignment while minimizing noise. The periodic nature allows for quieter operation compared to continuous high-force contact.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of sheet alignment in the sheet processing apparatus, reducing noise and ensuring high-precision alignment, even with varying sheet types and sizes, by controlling the paddle's rotational speed and using multiple paddles for comprehensive alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a paddle arranged in the rotational shaft and configured to contact the sheet and move the sheets by rotating with the rotational shaft
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus comprises a standby section configured to buffer a sheet; a processing section configured to receive sheets supplied from the standby section and execute a post processing on the sheets; a rotational shaft configured to rotate around an axis of rotation; a paddle arranged in the rotational shaft and configured to contact the sheet and move the sheets by rotating with the rotational shaft, the paddle being configured to slide the sheets on the processing section to a stopper for aligning the sheets; and a controller configured to control a rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a first speed, and control the rotational speed of the rotational shaft to rotate the paddle at a second speed slower than the first speed while the paddle contacts the sheets on the processing section for aligning.