Sheet Alignment Apparatus Vertical Actuator Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet alignment apparatuses in image forming systems face challenges in efficiently aligning and processing sheets of varying sizes and orientations, leading to misalignment and instability during binding and discharge processes.
Innovation Solution
A sheet alignment apparatus with a supporting portion, alignment members, and moving units that include longitudinal and lateral alignment reference plates and rollers, allowing for precise alignment and movement in both the conveyance direction and width direction, with the longitudinal movement unit disposed above the supporting portion and the lateral movement unit disposed below, enabling efficient alignment and discharge of sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If alignment members are disposed on the same side of the supporting portion, then the structure is simpler, but the alignment precision and stability deteriorate due to interference between moving units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional separation by disposing the first moving unit below the supporting portion and the second moving unit above the supporting portion. This vertical separation in the thickness direction allows both alignment operations to occur simultaneously without spatial interference, thereby maintaining alignment precision while managing device complexity through three-dimensional layout optimization.
2Ease of manufacture
If both moving units are disposed above the supporting portion, then the structure is easier to manufacture, but the sheets may become unstable or rotate during alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the stability issue by utilizing the vertical dimension to separate the moving units. The first alignment member moves below the supporting portion while the second alignment member moves above it, creating a stable sandwich structure that prevents sheet rotation and maintains positional stability during the alignment process.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment members are positioned to cover the entire sheet area, then alignment coverage is improved, but the apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the alignment function into two separate alignment members, each responsible for a specific end portion of the sheet. This segmentation allows targeted alignment at critical points without requiring coverage of the entire sheet area, thereby reducing apparatus size and cost while maintaining effective alignment through the coordinated action of the divided components.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet alignment apparatus includes a supporting portion configured to support a sheet, a first alignment member configured to abut an end portion in a first direction of the sheet supported by the supporting portion and align a position of the sheet in the first direction, a first moving unit configured to move the first alignment member in the first direction, a second alignment member configured to abut an end portion in a second direction of the sheet supported by the supporting portion and align a position of the sheet in the second direction, the second direction being perpendicular to the first direction, and a second moving unit configured to move the second alignment member in the second direction, wherein the first moving unit is disposed below the supporting portion, and wherein the second moving unit is disposed above the supporting portion.