Paper Perforator With Integral Spring-Elastic Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper punches are bulky, difficult to handle due to bare metal surfaces with sharp edges, and lack efficient design for compactness and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A paper punch design where the upper and lower parts are connected by a resilient one-piece sheet metal construction, featuring hollow punches formed through deep-drawing or embossing, with a plastic pressure piece for comfortable handling and a clamping mechanism for versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the upper part and lower part are connected by a complicated mechanism, then the punching function is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling comfortVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper part and lower part are merged into a single integral body, eliminating the need for separate moving components and complex mechanisms. This integration simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the punching function, directly resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A resilient connecting piece with elastic properties is introduced to connect the upper and lower parts. This flexible element allows the parts to move relative to each other during punching while maintaining structural integrity, reducing complexity compared to rigid mechanical mechanisms and improving handling comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Volume of moving object

If the upper part and lower part are connected by a resilient connecting piece, then the device becomes compact and easier to handle, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The upper part, lower part, and resilient connecting piece are combined into a single integral component manufactured from one piece of sheet metal. This merging approach reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the complex elastic geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The resilient connecting piece is designed with specific geometric parameters (bent through 180°-270°, circular arc cross-section) that optimize both compactness and elastic functionality. These parameter optimizations allow the component to achieve the desired volume reduction while maintaining manufacturability through standard sheet metal forming processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a bare metal surface is used for the upper part, then the manufacturing is simple, but the handling becomes uncomfortable due to sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The upper part is covered with a plastic material that provides a comfortable, non-slip gripping surface free of sharp edges. This composite construction combines the structural advantages of metal with the ergonomic benefits of plastic, improving handling comfort while the plastic covering can be applied through standard manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

A plastic pressure piece is introduced as a covering layer on the upper part. This thin film or shell provides the ergonomic benefits of a soft, comfortable surface while maintaining the underlying metal structure's strength and manufacturing simplicity. The plastic layer can be molded to fit the metal substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 design enhances handling comfort, reduces bulkiness, and allows for easy storage and use as a hold-down device, facilitating efficient punching and document alignment with improved ergonomics and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the upper part and the lower part are connected to one another in one piece by means of a resilient connecting piece (18)... this occurs against an elastic restoring force caused by the bending of the connecting piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2455201B1Paper perforator
Publication Date: 2013.04.17 LEITZ ACCO BRANDS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2455201B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2455201B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2455201B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The punch (10) has two punching tools e.g. hollow blow holes, arranged at an upper part (14).A lower part (16) includes a support surface for a document i.e. paper, to be punched. The upper and lower parts are pivotable relative to each other against restoring force for punching the document. The support surface includes two punches, where the punching tools engage in the punches during punching. The upper and lower parts are integrally connected with each other by a spring-elastic connection piece (18). The upper part carries pressure pieces (32) made of plastic in a region of the tools.