Sheet Binding Device Orientation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet binding devices require a longer time to prepare for binding processes due to the need for a return operation to change the orientation of the binding unit, which involves a complex mechanism and dedicated driving sources.
Innovation Solution
A sheet binding device with a simplified configuration that includes a binding unit with a stapler, a first movable body, and a second movable body, where the binding unit can reciprocate on a base portion and change orientation quickly by using a shaft guide mechanism with grooves and movable guide portions to guide the shafts, allowing for edge and corner binding without a dedicated driving source for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated driving source and complex mechanism are used to rotate the binding unit, then the orientation change capability is improved, but the device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The binding unit utilizes its own reciprocating motion to automatically change orientation. When the binding unit reciprocates to the other end, the shaft portions engage with different grooves (first groove vs. second groove), causing the movable body to swing and change orientation automatically without requiring a dedicated rotating mechanism or additional driving source.
Solution Approach 2:
The reciprocating motion of the binding unit serves dual purposes: it performs the binding function at different positions and simultaneously changes the orientation of the stapler. The same driving force that moves the binding unit forward and backward also drives the orientation change through the groove-guided shaft mechanism, eliminating the need for separate rotation actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a return operation is performed to change binding unit orientation, then the binding unit can bind corner parts, but the preparation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding unit performs continuous reciprocating motion without idle return operations. During each reciprocation cycle, the unit naturally transitions between orientations by engaging different grooves, allowing corner binding to be achieved as part of the continuous binding process rather than requiring a separate time-consuming reorientation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure is pre-configured with branch parts and movable guide portions that automatically guide the shaft portions into the correct groove paths before the binding operation begins. This preliminary arrangement of the guiding mechanism ensures that the orientation change occurs automatically and rapidly as the binding unit approaches the target position, minimizing preparation time.
3Speed
If a movable guide portion and multiple grooves are used to guide shafts, then the orientation change speed is improved, but the guide mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism is segmented into multiple independent grooves (first groove, second groove) and a movable guide portion that can independently control the path of each shaft portion. This segmentation allows the system to provide complex orientation guidance through simple, modular groove structures rather than requiring a complex monolithic guiding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable guide portion acts as an intermediary element that translates the reciprocating motion of the binding unit into rotational motion of the movable body. By introducing this intermediate component that swings between different positions, the system achieves rapid orientation change through a simple mechanical mediation rather than direct complex actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A binding unit includes first and second movable bodies. The second movable body includes first and second shaft portions. A stapler is secured to the second movable body, and the second movable body is swingably supported with the stapler by the first movable body. A first groove includes a branch part between a middle area and one end area. A second groove branches off from the branch part and is parallel to the first groove. When in a first position, a movable guide portion guides the first shaft portion from the branch part to the second groove. When the first shaft portion moves to the second groove through the branch part, the movable guide portion swings from the first position to a second position. When the second shaft portion reaches the branch part, the movable guide portion in the second position guides the second shaft portion along the first groove.