Paper Alignment Device for Mixed-Size Bundle Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper post-processing devices face inefficiencies when handling mixed-size paper bundles, as they require time to adjust to different paper sizes, leading to interruptions in the image forming process and reduced processing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A paper alignment device with a main retaining device, a preliminary retaining device, and a control unit that temporarily retains small-size papers and combines them with large-size papers before sending them to the main device, allowing for continuous feeding at a preset pitch without size-specific adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a paper support member is raised or lowered to accommodate different paper sizes in a vertically angled retaining device, then the device can handle mixed-size paper bundles, but time is required for adjustment and synchronizing with the paper feed pitch becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is divided into multiple horizontal retaining spaces stacked vertically, each capable of independently receiving and holding papers of different sizes. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single adjustable support member, as each space is optimized for specific paper sizes without requiring mechanical adjustment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Papers are sorted and assigned to appropriate retaining spaces before the feeding process begins. The control unit pre-configures which papers go to which retaining space based on size, so that when feeding occurs, no adjustment is needed—everything is already in its correct position for immediate processing.
2Manufacturing precision
If paper of different sizes is individually sent to the main retaining device with preparation for receiving, then proper alignment is achieved, but the paper feed pitch of the upstream device must be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments papers by size and directs them to dedicated retaining spaces horizontally arranged in the paper feed direction. Small-size papers and large-size papers are fed from separate spaces simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential preparation and delay, while maintaining precise alignment for each paper type.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining spaces are arranged horizontally in the paper feed direction rather than vertically, allowing simultaneous access and feeding of multiple paper sizes without vertical adjustment. This dimensional reorganization enables parallel processing of different paper sizes, eliminating feed pitch delays.
3Ease of operation
If the image forming process is interrupted temporarily to relieve the condition of stapling multiple sheets, then stapling can be completed, but the image forming process efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Papers are pre-grouped by size and temporarily held in dedicated retaining spaces before feeding to the stapling device. This preliminary organization allows the stapling operation to proceed continuously without waiting for paper size adjustments or interruptions, as all papers are ready in their correct positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous feeding of papers of different sizes to the stapling device by maintaining separate retaining spaces for each size. This eliminates interruptions in the image forming process, as papers are continuously supplied without stopping for adjustments, maintaining both stapling functionality and high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device which aligns bundles of paper Q with a predetermined number of A4 paper PA4 as small size paper and A3 paper PA3 as large size papers formed by successively receiving paper P fed from image forming device 19, comprising a stacking unit 30 as a main retaining device which aligns and retains in a stacked condition paper P successively received from the image forming device 19, a paper detour retaining device 20 as a preliminary retaining device located directly upstream of the main retaining device stacking unit 30, which temporarily retains the paper P destined to the stacking unit 30, and a controller which controls feeding to the stacking unit 30 by temporarily retaining the A4 paper PA4 paper, and combining the retained A4 paper PA4 with the large size paper A3 paper PA3 before sending to the stacking unit 30 in an overlaid condition.