Paper Sheet Transportation Timing Control for Inter-Sheet Distance Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet transportation apparatuses face challenges in reducing inter-sheet distance to enhance transportation efficiency without increasing product cost, often requiring multiple sensors which elevate costs.
Innovation Solution
A transportation apparatus with a controller that measures transportation time and adjusts the start time of subsequent paper sheets to minimize inter-sheet distance, utilizing existing sensors for efficient processing and throughput without additional dedicated sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a dedicated sensor is provided in the middle of the paper sheet transportation path to reduce inter-sheet distance, then transportation efficiency is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors (trailing end detection sensor and leading end detection sensor) perform the additional function of detecting inter-sheet distance, eliminating the need for a dedicated sensor. The controller calculates inter-sheet distance by timing the interval between trailing end detection of one sheet and leading end detection of the next sheet, thereby achieving multi-functionality with existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing sensors and timing mechanisms to automatically determine inter-sheet distance and control transportation timing, without requiring external or additional sensing components. The controller leverages the natural detection events (trailing end and leading end detections) to generate the timing information needed for efficient transportation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors (trailing end detection sensor, first leading end detection sensor, length detection unit) are provided to control transportation timing, then transportation precision is improved, but product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the trailing end detection sensor and leading end detection sensor serve dual purposes: their primary function of detecting sheet ends and an additional function of providing timing information for inter-sheet distance calculation. This eliminates the need for separate length detection units or additional sensors, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining transportation timing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from physical length (which would require a length detection unit) to time interval (which can be measured by the existing sensors). By measuring the time between trailing end detection and leading end detection events, the system achieves precise transportation timing control without needing additional length measurement hardware.
3Reliability
If the first transportation unit waits for the processing unit to finish processing before starting the next paper sheet, then processing accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller calculates the required timing in advance by measuring the processing time of the current sheet and predicting when the next sheet should be fed to allow overlapping operations. This preliminary timing calculation enables the first transportation unit to start transporting the next sheet before the current sheet finishes processing, maintaining accuracy while improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous operation by overlapping the transportation of successive sheets with the processing of current sheets. By calculating appropriate timing intervals, the system ensures that the first transportation unit is continuously feeding sheets to the processing unit without idle waiting periods, thereby maintaining processing accuracy while eliminating downtime and improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a transportation apparatus in which a first transportation unit, which transports a paper sheet from a mounting portion, starts transportation of a next paper sheet at a time when a specific time has elapsed after the second transportation unit, which is positioned on a downstream side of the first transportation unit, starts to transport a paper sheet so that an inter-sheet distance between a preceding paper sheet and a following paper sheet becomes optimal.