Sheet Folding Device Using Transport Belts and Slats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for double folding sheets are inefficient, requiring significant time and multiple machines to achieve acceptable production quantities, as they involve cumbersome sheet introduction, positioning, and sorting, limiting the speed of folding to approximately 1,200 sheets per hour.
Innovation Solution
A device with two transport belts and slats that guide sheets through folding elements, allowing for high-speed folding without the need for successive operations like sheet introduction and positioning, using friction to create a strong and well-defined fold line, and optionally including pressing elements to ensure a sharp fold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional devices with V-shaped elements are used to fold sheets, then the folding function is achieved, but the production speed is limited to approximately 1,200 sheets per hour due to manual introduction, positioning and sorting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs continuous transport belts instead of static folding mechanisms. Sheets are continuously fed through the folding device along with the transport belts, eliminating manual introduction and positioning operations. The folding elements dynamically follow the sheet movement, enabling automated high-speed folding without time loss for manual handling operations
Solution Approach 2:
The transport belts operate continuously to feed sheets through the folding device without interruption. The folding elements continuously engage with the sheets along the belt movement, maintaining constant productive action. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between sheets and enables high-volume production at speeds exceeding 1,200 sheets per hour
2Manufacturing precision
If friction is used to create the fold line, then a strong and well-defined fold is formed, but the folding process requires the sheets to be guided along slats which may increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the sheet's own movement along the transport belts and slats to generate the fold. The friction between the sheet and slats, combined with the sheet's inertia and motion, creates the fold without requiring additional active folding mechanisms. The sheet essentially folds itself through its own motion and interaction with the guiding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The slats serve as intermediary elements between the transport belts and the sheet. These slats guide the sheet, provide the friction necessary for fold formation, and transfer the folding action without requiring direct complex mechanical engagement. The slats mediate the interaction between the continuous transport system and the folding process
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
This solution significantly increases production speed by eliminating the need for manual sheet handling and ensures a sharp, seamless fold, allowing for continuous printing across folded sheets, with the ability to fold sheets in one or both directions depending on material thickness.
Implementation Method 1
the friction with the sheet guided along the slats will cause an abrasive effect in the fold line formed, so a well-defined and strong fold is formed
Implementation Method 2
one or more pressing elements that are placed after a folding element and can press the folded over strip against the sheet and the fold line
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for folding sheets, the device provided with two transport belts positioned opposite each other in such a way that sheets can be clamped between the transport belts with the exception of a protruding part that protrudes between the transport belts, whereby the device is provided with two slats that extend along the transport belts and between which the protruding part can slide so a strip protrudes between the slats, whereby the device is also provided with one or more folding elements along the transport belts that can fold the abovementioned strip over or around a slat to form a fold line and whereby the device is such that it guides the sheets with their strip along the folding elements and the slats by the driver of the transport belts.