Sheet Discharge Alignment Using Elastic Members for Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet discharge devices struggle with efficiently aligning and stacking sheets of varying sizes and types, particularly during sorting processes, which can lead to misalignment and damage due to the use of rigid components that do not accommodate dimensional variations.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharge device equipped with a pair of alignment members and width regulation members, where the alignment members are formed of a rigid arm portion and an elastic alignment portion, allowing for secure alignment and shifting of sheets on a tray, while the width regulation members adjust the sheet position, ensuring precise alignment and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid alignment members are used to align sheets, then alignment precision is improved, but adaptability to dimensional variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment member includes an elastic portion made of elastomer that can elastically deform to accommodate dimensional variations in sheets while maintaining alignment function. This flexible structure allows the alignment member to adapt to different sheet sizes and thicknesses without losing alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion of the alignment member can change its physical state through elastic deformation, allowing it to adjust to dimensional variations in sheets. The elastomer material properties enable the alignment member to maintain contact and alignment function across varying sheet dimensions.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid alignment members are used to align sheets, then alignment precision is improved, but sheet damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic portion made of elastomer provides a compliant contact surface that aligns sheets without causing damage. The flexible nature of the elastomer allows it to conform to sheet edges and surfaces, preventing the concentrated stresses that would occur with rigid materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion acts as a cushioning element between the alignment mechanism and the sheet, absorbing potential impact forces and preventing damage during the alignment process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If width regulation members are made adjustable, then adaptability to different sheet sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The width regulation members are designed to be movable along the discharge tray, allowing dynamic adjustment of their positions to accommodate different sheet widths. This dynamic positioning capability provides adaptability without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables secure alignment and stacking of sheets, even with dimensional variations, by using elastic alignment members and adjustable width regulation, reducing misalignment and damage, and facilitating efficient sorting and stacking processes.
Implementation Method 1
The alignment portion is formed of a flat-shaped elastic material extending in the sheet width direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharge device includes a discharge portion, a sheet stacking tray, a pair of alignment members and a pair of width regulation members, a shift portion, and a control portion. The pair of alignment members include an arm portion formed of a rigid body, and an alignment portion formed of a flat-shaped elastic material and fixed to a swingable end of the arm portion. In the sorting processing, when stacking a sheet at a first position, the control portion causes a first alignment member to ride on a top surface of the sheet and a first side edge of a second alignment member to make contact with the sheet, and, when stacking the sheet at a second position, causes the second alignment member to ride on the top surface of the sheet and the first side edge of the first alignment member to make contact with the sheet.