Paper Sheet Takeout Device Negative Pressure Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper sheet takeout devices face challenges in efficiently and accurately moving and absorbing paper sheets from an accumulation direction to a takeout position and conveying them to a downstream path, often resulting in misalignment and reduced operational speed due to inadequate air pressure control and adsorption mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A paper sheet takeout device incorporating a supply mechanism, a takeout belt with adsorption holes, a negative pressure chamber, and a suction unit with strategically positioned air suction and supply ports, which creates a controlled negative pressure to adsorb and release paper sheets sequentially, ensuring precise alignment and high-speed conveyance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the negative pressure chamber is evacuated by the blower to adsorb paper sheets, then the paper sheets are effectively adsorbed to the adsorption belt, but the operational speed is reduced due to inadequate air pressure control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption effectivenessVSAvoidoperational speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The adsorption belt is divided into multiple independent adsorption regions with individually controllable electromagnetic valves. This segmentation allows different zones to operate at different times - while one zone is adsorbing paper sheets, another zone can be rapidly pressurized to release sheets, thereby increasing operational speed without compromising adsorption effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic alternation between negative pressure (adsorption) and positive pressure (release) states through controlled electromagnetic valve operation. This periodic action enables continuous high-speed operation by preparing the next adsorption cycle while the current cycle is completing, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable adsorption and operational speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the electromagnetic valve is closed to return the negative pressure chamber to atmospheric pressure, then the adsorption operation is finished, but misalignment occurs due to inadequate air pressure control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadsorption completionVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies positive pressure to the release side of the paper sheets before the adsorption cycle is fully completed. This preliminary action ensures that paper sheets are pre-positioned and aligned on the release side, preventing misalignment when the electromagnetic valve closes and the pressure equalizes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Different pressure conditions are applied to different sides of the paper sheet simultaneously - negative pressure on the adsorption side and positive pressure on the release side. This local quality control maintains precise alignment during the pressure transition by creating a pressure gradient that keeps the paper sheet positioned correctly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the blower evacuates the negative pressure chamber continuously, then negative pressure is maintained for adsorption, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenegative pressure maintenanceVSAvoidblower energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blower operates periodically rather than continuously - it evacuates the negative pressure chamber only when adsorption is required, and stops or switches to pressurization mode when release is needed. This periodic operation dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliable negative pressure during adsorption cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches the blower between evacuation mode (creating negative pressure) and pressurization mode (creating positive pressure) based on the operational cycle. This dynamic operation allows the same device to serve dual functions, reducing overall energy consumption compared to maintaining constant negative pressure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 device enables continuous and efficient takeout of paper sheets at a high speed by effectively generating and controlling negative pressure, preventing misalignment and optimizing the conveyance process, thereby improving operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The suction unit sucks air existing at the takeout position via the opening and the adsorption holes by evacuating the negative pressure chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The suction unit adsorbs each of the paper sheets sequentially supplied to the takeout position onto the adsorption surface of the takeout belt by causing a negative pressure to act on each of the paper sheets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

The air supply port supplies air into the negative pressure chamber and returns the negative pressure to the atmospheric pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP2258641B1Paper sheet takeout device
Publication Date: 2015.12.23 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP2258641B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2258641B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2258641B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

In one embodiment, a supply mechanism is provided. The supply mechanism supplies (3) accumulated paper sheets (M) to a takeout position sequentially. A takeout belt (2) having adsorption hole (2a) runs along a surface of the takeout position. An opening (4a, 4b) of a negative pressure chamber (4) is arranged so as to face the takeout belt (2). A suction unit (16) sucks air existing at the takeout position via the opening and the adsorption holes. The suction unit (16) causes a negative pressure to act on each of the paper sheets (M) so that each is adsorbed onto an adsorption surface of the takeout belt (2). The suction unit (16) has an air supply port (151) to supply air into the negative pressure chamber (4). The air supply port (151) is arranged so that the air supplied via the air supply port is directed to a position and in a direction different from those of the opening (4a, 4b).