Rotating Cutter Sheet Cutting Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet cutting apparatuses require multiple slitter processing units to be exchanged and arranged in series, increasing the size of the apparatus and reducing productivity due to the need for multiple cutting positions in the widthwise direction.

Innovation Solution

A sheet cutting apparatus with multiple cutting blades that can move between cutting and retracted positions, allowing for adjustable placement in both the widthwise and perpendicular directions, eliminating the need for multiple units and reducing the apparatus's size by enabling cutting at various positions without exchanging components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If three slitter processing units are provided along the conveyance direction to cut sheets at different widthwise positions, then cutting versatility is improved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting position versatilityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cutting functions into a single integrated cutting unit. The cutting unit includes a rotating cutter with multiple cutting edges positioned at different widthwise locations, allowing one unit to perform the function of multiple separate slitter processing units. This merging approach achieves cutting versatility at different widthwise positions while significantly reducing the apparatus size compared to providing three separate cutting units along the conveyance direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of arranging multiple cutting units along the conveyance direction (one dimension), the patent positions multiple cutting edges radially around a rotation axis, utilizing the rotational dimension. This allows cutting edges to be accessed at different widthwise positions through rotation rather than through linear arrangement, effectively using a different spatial dimension to achieve the same functional result with reduced apparatus footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple slitter processing units are exchanged according to cutting position, then cutting precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to exchange time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting position precisionVSAvoidsheet processing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting edges are pre-positioned at specific widthwise locations on the rotating cutter during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of cutting edges at precise locations eliminates the need for dynamic adjustment or exchange of cutting units during operation. The cutter can be rotated to bring the appropriate pre-positioned cutting edge into the working position, ensuring cutting precision without the productivity loss associated with exchanging multiple slitter processing units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a rotating cutter that dynamically selects which cutting edge engages with the sheet based on the required widthwise cutting position. Rather than using fixed, static cutting units that must be exchanged, the system dynamically rotates the cutter to bring the appropriate cutting edge into position. This dynamic approach maintains cutting precision while eliminating the time-consuming exchange process, thereby improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If three slitter processing units are mounted in series along the conveyance direction, then cutting adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of cutting units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating cutter is designed as a universal cutting device that can perform multiple cutting functions. By positioning multiple cutting edges at different widthwise locations on a single rotating cutter, one device can replace three separate slitter processing units. This multi-functional design achieves the same cutting adaptability and configuration flexibility while significantly reducing device complexity by eliminating redundant cutting units and their associated mounting, control, and exchange mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11796954B2Sheet cutting apparatus that has plurality of cutting blades that can move to cutting position at which sheet is cut and retracted position at which sheet is not cut and image formation

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 CANON KK

AI summary

A sheet cutting apparatus includes: a cutting unit that includes a plurality of cutting blades for cutting a sheet along a conveyance direction of the sheet, the plurality of cutting blades configured to be able to move to a cutting position and a retracted position; and a control unit. The plurality of cutting blades are provided at different positions in a widthwise direction that is perpendicular to the conveyance direction and a perpendicular direction perpendicular to a surface of the sheet. The control unit is configured to set a first cutting blade to the cutting position or the retracted position by changing a position in the perpendicular direction of the first cutting blade and set a second cutting blade to the cutting position or the retracted position by changing a position in the widthwise direction of the second cutting blade.