Sheet Binding Apparatus with Segmented Manual Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet processing apparatuses are limited in their ability to perform non-staple binding, as they require a massive and costly mechanism to handle a limited number of sheets, often resulting in undesirable binding when exceeding prescribed limits, and lack flexibility in binding options.

Innovation Solution

A sheet-binding apparatus with separate manual insertion sections for staple and non-staple binding, allowing for flexible binding methods such as pressure-bond binding, which includes a slit for manual insertion and sensors for detection, enabling efficient binding of multiple sheets without staples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a non-staple binding mechanism is added to handle limited sheets, then binding flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebinding flexibilityVSAvoidapparatus massiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding apparatus is divided into two independent insertion sections: a first insertion section for staple binding and a second insertion section for non-staple binding. Each section has its own binding mechanism, allowing them to operate independently without requiring a single complex mechanism to handle both binding types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The binding apparatus provides multiple binding methods (staple binding and non-staple binding) through separate but integrated insertion sections, making the overall system versatile while keeping each individual section simple and dedicated to its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If non-staple binding is performed on excessive sheets, then binding capacity is improved, but binding quality deteriorates due to undesirable sheet binding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sheetsVSAvoidbinding quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus segments the binding function into two separate insertion sections, each optimized for specific binding requirements. The second insertion section for non-staple binding is designed to handle appropriate sheet quantities, preventing the quality deterioration that occurs when excessive sheets are bound together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A detection device is provided to detect the number of sheets before binding. This feedback mechanism ensures that non-staple binding is only performed when the sheet quantity is appropriate, preventing binding quality deterioration while still allowing adequate binding capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If manual insertion sections are provided for both binding types, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is segmented into two independent insertion sections, each with its own simple binding mechanism. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function with minimal complexity, while the overall system provides enhanced ease of operation through multiple binding options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each insertion section is designed to be independently operable, allowing users to select the appropriate binding type without requiring complex coordination between mechanisms. The detection device automatically monitors sheet quantity, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11027567B2Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system comprising the same
Publication Date: 2021.06.08 CANON FINETECH NISCA INC
  • US11027567B2 patent drawing
  • US11027567B2 patent drawing
  • US11027567B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a sheet-binding apparatus. The apparatus has two sheet binding units, each configured to bind the sheets manually inserted from outside. The sheet binding units operate independently, each at the timing appropriate for a specific need.