Paper Folding Mechanism Protrusion Member Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper folding mechanisms, particularly 'buckle type' and 'knife type', face issues with conveyance force deficiency leading to slippage, deviation of folded positions, and difficulty in gate-folding thick papers, while 'knife type' mechanisms also suffer from deviated folded positions.
Innovation Solution
A paper folding mechanism with first and second folding rollers, conveyance rollers, a protrusion member, and a control part that moves the protrusion member to guide and feed the fold line between rollers, ensuring accurate and smooth folding without slippage, using a protrusion member with a pointed end and curved surfaces to facilitate precise folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If buckle type mechanisms are used to fold thick paper, then the folding process can be performed, but conveyance force becomes deficient and slippage occurs between paper and conveyance roller
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion member acts as an intermediary element that engages with the fold line of the paper and transmits force directly to advance it between folding rollers. This mediator mechanism eliminates slippage by providing direct mechanical engagement rather than relying solely on roller friction, thereby resolving the contradiction between folding capability and conveyance stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion member performs preliminary action by engaging the fold line in advance and advancing it precisely to the folding position before the actual folding occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate fold line placement and prevents slippage during the subsequent folding operation, maintaining both reliability and folding capability.
2Strength
If buckle type mechanisms are used to fold thick paper, then folding can be performed, but folded position becomes deviated
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion member provides feedback control by continuously engaging the fold line and monitoring its position as it advances between folding rollers. The control part receives information about fold line position and adjusts roller rotation accordingly, ensuring accurate folded position while maintaining the ability to fold thick paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion member performs preliminary positioning of the fold line to the exact folding position before the folding action occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the fold line is precisely located, eliminating position deviation while maintaining folding capability for thick paper.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gate-folding is performed on thick paper, then inner double door folding is achieved, but inner edge of folded piece becomes difficult to convey
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion member serves as an intermediary that directly engages and advances the inner edge of folded pieces during gate-folding operations. By providing direct mechanical propulsion rather than relying on roller friction alone, it enables smooth conveyance of the inner edges even in complex gate-folding configurations with thick paper.
4Strength
If knife type mechanisms are used to fold thick paper, then folding can be performed, but folded position becomes deviated
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion member acts as an intermediary between the knife type folding mechanism and the paper fold line. It provides precise positional control by directly engaging and advancing the fold line, eliminating the position deviation problem inherent in conventional knife type mechanisms while maintaining their folding capability for thick paper.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the protrusion member's position and the fold line's position are continuously monitored and coordinated. The control part adjusts the protrusion member's movement based on fold line position feedback, ensuring accurate folded position while maintaining the ability to fold thick paper with knife type mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A paper folding mechanism includes: first and second folding rollers (51, 52); first and second conveyance rollers (61, 62); a protrusion member (71); and a control part. Both the rollers (51, 52) are provided so that a paper is sandwiched therebetween with its fold line located in front, and is allowed to pass therethrough in a first direction. The first folding roller (51) and the first conveyance roller (61) are provided so that the paper is sandwiched therebetween and conveyed in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The second folding roller (52) and the second conveyance roller (62) are provided so that the paper is sandwiched therebetween and conveyed in any one of the second direction and the direction opposite thereto. The protrusion member (71) is provided so that the fold line of the paper conveyed by both the rollers (61, 62) is protruded in the first direction and fed between both the rollers (51, 52).