Post-Processing Tray Airflow Control for Buckling-Free Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing post processing devices face issues with medium deformation and alignment failure due to air blowing when the number of sheets on the processing tray is less than a predetermined set number, leading to adverse effects such as buckling and curling.

Innovation Solution

A post processing device with a control mechanism that adjusts the blowing amount based on the number of sheets on the tray, using a first blowing amount when fewer sheets are present and a second, larger amount when more sheets are present, and employs blowing sections positioned above and below the tray to manage curling in different directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If air is blown at sheets on the processing tray, then adhesion or sticking between sheets can be prevented and alignment can be performed, but the sheets may be deformed or alignment may be adversely affected when the number of sheets is small

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovealignmentVSAvoidsheet deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The blowing amount is dynamically adjusted based on the number of sheets detected on the processing tray. When fewer sheets are present, a reduced blowing amount is applied to prevent deformation, while a normal blowing amount is used when sufficient sheets are present to ensure proper alignment and prevent sticking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control section changes the blowing parameter (blowing amount) according to the sheet count condition. This parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt the air blowing intensity to match the actual processing conditions, preventing both deformation and sticking issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed blowing amount is used for all sheet counts, then the device complexity is reduced, but adverse effects like buckling and curling occur when fewer sheets are present

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanismVSAvoidbuckling and curling

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the number of sheets on the processing tray is detected and used to control the blowing amount. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust air blowing intensity based on actual conditions, preventing buckling and curling without requiring complex manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach effectively suppresses adverse effects like buckling and curling, ensuring proper alignment and discharge of sheets by optimizing air blowing according to sheet count and tray configuration.

Implementation Method 1

a blowing section configured to blow air at the medium supported by the processing tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir blowing:

Implementation Method 2

a control section for controlling the blowing section sets a blowing amount by the blowing section to a first blowing amount when the number of sheets of medium supported by the processing tray is less than a predetermined set number of sheets and sets a blowing amount by the blowing section to a second blowing amount, which is larger than the first blowing amount, when the number of sheets of medium supported by the processing tray is equal to or greater than the set number of sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Data Source

PatentUS12384638B2Post processing device, recording system, and method for controlling post processing device

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A post processing device includes: a processing tray that supports media on which post processing is performed; a post processing section configured to perform post processing on the medium supported by the processing tray; and a blowing section configured to blow air at the medium supported by the processing tray, wherein a control section for controlling the blowing section sets a blowing amount by the blowing section to a first blowing amount when the number of sheets of medium supported by the processing tray is less than a predetermined set number of sheets and sets a blowing amount by the blowing section to a second blowing amount, which is larger than the first blowing amount, when the number of sheets of medium supported by the processing tray is equal to or greater than the set number of sheets.