Sheet Aligner Control for Stiffness-Dependent Deviation Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet processing apparatuses fail to adequately correct deviations in sheet alignment due to variations in sheet stiffness and rigidity, leading to instability in conveying sheets to subsequent processes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet processing apparatus with a controller that activates or inactivates aligners based on predetermined parameters such as basis weight, using a combination of lateral and register aligners to correct sheet deviations, ensuring proper alignment and stable conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lateral alignment unit with alignment members is used to push lateral edges inward for sheet alignment, then sheets with low stiffness can be aligned, but sheets with high stiffness cannot be readily aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment system is divided into two independent aligners: a lateral aligner for pushing lateral edges inward and a register aligner for receiving the front edge. This segmentation allows each aligner to specialize in different alignment functions, enabling the system to handle both low-stiffness and high-stiffness sheets effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically selects which aligner to operate based on sheet stiffness detection. For low-stiffness sheets, the lateral aligner is activated; for high-stiffness sheets, the register aligner is activated. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal alignment effectiveness across different sheet types
2Adaptability or versatility
If a register alignment unit with register rollers is used to receive the front edge for warping, then sheets with low stiffness can be warped, but sheets with high stiffness cannot be sufficiently warped
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the alignment function into two distinct mechanisms: lateral alignment for low-stiffness sheets and register alignment for high-stiffness sheets. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be optimized for its specific sheet type, achieving precise deviation correction for both categories
Solution Approach 2:
The control device changes operational parameters by selecting different aligners based on detected sheet stiffness. This parameter change ensures that the appropriate alignment mechanism is applied, achieving sufficient warping for low-stiffness sheets and adequate alignment for high-stiffness sheets
3Manufacturing precision
If high rigidity sheets are forcibly pressed against register rollers for warpage, then warpage is attempted, but the sheets may be squeezed and may not sufficiently warp
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of forcing high-stiffness sheets through register rollers (which causes squeezing), the system inverts the approach by using the lateral aligner to push lateral edges inward for high-stiffness sheets. This alternative method achieves alignment without causing harmful squeezing effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of forcing high-stiffness sheets through register rollers into a beneficial outcome by detecting sheet stiffness and selecting the appropriate aligner. This prevents squeezing while achieving the desired alignment, turning a potential harm into a successful alignment process
4Device complexity
If a single aligner type is used for all sheets, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment accuracy for varying sheet properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by equipping the alignment device with two aligners that can handle different sheet types. The control device selects the appropriate aligner based on sheet properties, making the system universally applicable to both low-stiffness and high-stiffness sheets while maintaining high alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by activating different aligners based on detected sheet stiffness. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high alignment accuracy across varying sheet properties without requiring a completely different device for each sheet type
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet processing apparatus including: a first aligner to push lateral edges of a sheet inward across a width direction of the sheet conveyed from an upstream side for alignment of the sheet, the width direction being orthogonal to a moving direction of the sheet; a second aligner to abut a front edge of the sheet conveyed from the upstream side for a predetermined period of time for alignment of the sheet; a first aligner driver to drive the first aligner; a second aligner driver to drive the second aligner; and a controller to control operations of the first aligner driver and the second aligner driver, wherein the controller activates or inactivates the first aligner driver and the second aligner driver depending on a predetermined parameter on the conveyed sheet.