Sheet Folding Mechanism with Dynamic Pressing Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet folding mechanisms face challenges in maintaining a consistent pressing force during the folding and conveyance of sheet bundles, leading to excessive conveyance resistance and high power consumption due to a constant pressing force that is too strong for efficient folding.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding mechanism with a pressing force adjusting mechanism, utilizing a cam to adjust the relative position between the first and second rollers, allowing for increased pressing force during folding and decreased force during conveyance, thereby reducing energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a constant pressing force large enough to fold a sheet bundle in half is applied through the nip section, then the sheet bundle can be folded in half reliably, but the conveyance resistance becomes excessively large and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force adjusting mechanism dynamically changes the pressing force applied by the nip section based on the operational phase. During folding, the pressing force is increased to ensure reliable folding; during conveyance, the pressing force is decreased to reduce conveyance resistance and power consumption. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining reliable folding and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing force parameter is changed according to the operational state. The pressing force adjusting mechanism modifies the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the sheet bundle, increasing it during folding operations and decreasing it during conveyance operations. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both reliable folding and reduced power consumption.
2Force
If a spring is used to energize the second roller towards the first roller, then the pressing force can be maintained at a constant level for folding, but the pressing force remains excessively large during conveyance
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static spring-based constant force application to a dynamic force adjustment mechanism. The pressing force adjusting mechanism modifies the pressing force based on operational requirements, enabling efficient conveyance by reducing force when high force is not needed, thereby improving productivity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the pressing force is reduced during conveyance, then power consumption decreases, but the folding capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force is applied periodically according to the operational phase. The pressing force adjusting mechanism increases the pressing force during folding operations to ensure high-quality folding, then reduces it during conveyance operations to minimize power consumption. This periodic variation in pressing force maintains folding quality while reducing energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of pressing force ensures that adequate force is applied during folding to maintain manufacturing precision, while reducing force during conveyance to save energy. The system adapts the pressing force to the specific operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between folding quality and power consumption.
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 reduces conveyance resistance and energy consumption by dynamically adjusting the pressing force, ensuring efficient folding and conveyance of sheet bundles while maintaining a strong enough force for folding.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a cam to adjust the relative position between the first and second rollers
Implementation Method 2
a spring energizes the second roller towards the first roller
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a sheet folding apparatus comprises a first roller, a second roller configured to be energized to the first roller, form a nip section together with the first roller, fold a sheet in half together with the first roller through the nip section and convey the sheet folded in half together with the first roller and a pressing force adjusting mechanism configured to be capable of increasing and decreasing a pressing force generated at the nip section. The pressing force adjusting mechanism causes a pressing force in a state of being conveying the sheet folded in half to be lower than that in a state of being folding the sheet in half.