Sheet Folding Apparatus Load Reduction via Coordinated Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet folding apparatuses face high loads on the sheet guiding unit, particularly when dealing with stiff or thick sheets, leading to potential jamming and conveyance failures during the folding process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding apparatus with a conveyance roller pair, a folding roller pair, and a pushing member, controlled by a controller to perform first and second folding processing, where the pushing member assists in conveying the sheet while the folding roller pair forms fold lines, reducing the load on the pushing member by synchronizing its movement with the conveyance and folding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the sheet guiding unit pushes the sheet to the folding roller pair while the folding roller pair holds the front end of the sheet, then the fold line is formed at the predetermined position, but the load applied to the sheet guiding unit becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet guiding unit is moved to the pushing position before the folding roller pair nips the sheet, and the pushing action is performed while the folding roller pair is approaching. This preliminary positioning and coordinated timing reduces the load on the sheet guiding unit by avoiding pushing against a fully stopped sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pushing approach to a dynamic coordinated motion system where the sheet guiding unit and folding roller pair move synchronously. The sheet guiding unit pushes the sheet while both components are in motion, reducing resistance and load compared to pushing a stationary sheet.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stiffness of the sheet is high or the thickness of the sheet is large, then the sheet can maintain its shape during conveyance, but the load applied to the sheet guide unit is further increased
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet guiding unit is positioned and begins pushing before the folding roller pair completes its nip action. This preliminary coordinated action allows the system to accommodate stiff or thick sheets by reducing the peak load required to initiate and maintain the folding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic coordinated motion between the sheet guiding unit and folding roller pair reduces the force required to fold stiff or thick sheets. By moving synchronously rather than pushing a stationary sheet, the system overcomes the increased resistance from high-stiffness materials more effectively.
3Manufacturing precision
If the sheet guiding unit pushes the sheet with high load, then the fold line can be formed, but the sheet guiding unit may be stopped in the middle of pushing causing conveyance failure
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet guiding unit is moved to the pushing position and begins its pushing action before the folding roller pair completes its nip. This preliminary coordinated timing ensures that the sheet is continuously supported and conveyed, preventing the sheet guiding unit from stopping mid-push and avoiding conveyance failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic coordinated motion system ensures continuous movement of both the sheet guiding unit and folding roller pair during the folding process. This continuous motion prevents jamming and conveyance failures that occur when the sheet guiding unit stops while pushing a high-load sheet.
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 apparatus effectively reduces the load on the pushing member, minimizing the risk of jamming and ensuring smooth folding operations even with stiff or thick sheets by coordinating the conveyance and folding processes.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyance roller arranged on a conveyance path and configured to convey a sheet in a predetermined conveyance direction
Implementation Method 2
a folding roller pair arranged on a downstream side of the conveyance roller in the conveyance direction and configured to nip a predetermined position of the sheet by a nip portion thereof and form a fold line
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folding apparatus includes a folding roller pair that forms a first fold line owing to that the folding roller pair nips a first position of the sheet, which has a loop to be formed on an upstream side of the folding roller pair due to continuous conveyance of the sheet by a conveyance roller pair in a stopped state in which a front end of the sheet being conveyed from the conveyance roller pair is nipped by the folding roller pair, as starting conveyance of the sheet while a pushing plate is pushing the sheet and moving toward the folding roller pair, and thereafter, forms a second fold line owing to that the folding roller pair nips a second position of the sheet with the loop formed as aligning with a rear end of the sheet.