Paper Folding Apparatus with Pinion-Rack Knife Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper folding apparatuses for binding machines are bulky and costly due to complex structures and unnecessary interference between folding components, which hinder efficient double folding and increase manufacturing expenses.
Innovation Solution
A compact paper folding apparatus with a shared roller system and a secondary folding knife unit that uses a pinion and rack mechanism to prevent interference, allowing for efficient double folding without increasing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a knife driving apparatus and folding roller are added to fold paper sheet twice or more, then the paper folding function is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and the size is enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the folding roller into the knife unit structure, making the knife unit itself capable of performing both cutting and folding operations. This integration eliminates the need for separate folding rollers and knife driving apparatus, thereby maintaining double folding capability while simplifying the overall structure and reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The knife unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a cutting tool and a folding mechanism. By making the knife unit universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated folding components, thus improving paper folding functionality without increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a knife driving apparatus is installed to fold paper sheet twice or more, then the paper folding function is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the folding function into the existing knife unit, the patent eliminates the need for additional knife driving apparatus. This reduction in component count directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to fold paper sheets twice or more.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional knife unit reduces the total number of components required, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and costs. The same knife unit structure serves both cutting and folding purposes, eliminating the need for separate folding mechanisms and associated driving apparatus.
3Ease of operation
If a paper arranging guide is installed in front of the folding rollers, then the paper sheet can be guided properly, but the guide interferes with the paper sheet being folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the paper arranging guide from the folding area entirely. By eliminating the guide that causes interference, the system achieves proper paper guidance through alternative means that do not obstruct the folding operation, thus resolving the harmful interference while maintaining guidance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic positioning of paper guidance elements that move or adjust during the folding process. This dynamic approach allows the guidance system to be present during paper feeding but to clear or retract during folding, eliminating interference while maintaining guidance when needed.
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
The apparatus achieves improved folding performance with a simplified structure and reduced costs by enabling double folding without the need for additional complex components, ensuring efficient operation and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member configured to resiliently support the rack so that the rack is held in a home position
Implementation Method 2
a pinion configured to move in association with driving of the paper arranging guide, a rack selectively engaged with the pinion
Data Source
AI summary
A paper folding apparatus for a binding machine, capable of discharging paper sheets by folding the paper sheets twice, includes a first knife unit and a second knife unit. The first knife unit has a first feeding path and a pair of first paper folding rollers. The second knife unit has a second feeding path and a pair of second paper folding rollers. A paper arranging guide is installed in front of the pair of first paper folding rollers, and the second knife unit includes a pinion, a rack selectively engaged with the pinion, a rack guide configured to provide a path on which the rack is moved, a resilient member resiliently supporting the rack, and a second paper folding knife configured to move back and forth between the second paper folding rollers in association with a moving direction of the rack.