Sheet Folding Device Skew Correction via Misalignment Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet folding apparatuses require manual trial and error to accurately correct the inclination of a reference guide, leading to increased time and effort in ensuring proper sheet alignment during the folding process.
Innovation Solution
A sheet folding apparatus with an input unit that allows users to input the folding misalignment amount, enabling the adjustment mechanism to calculate and correct the inclination of the reference guide based on this input, thereby facilitating precise alignment with the feed direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual trial folding and adjustment mechanism operation are used to correct reference guide inclination, then folding alignment accuracy is improved, but time consumption and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a folding misalignment amount detection unit that automatically measures the deviation of folded sheets from the feed direction. This measured misalignment amount is fed back to the adjustment mechanism, which then automatically corrects the reference guide inclination by the exact amount needed, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error adjustment and significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining high alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated system that uses detection units to measure misalignment and control mechanisms to execute corrections. This substitution of manual operation with automated detection and control systems eliminates the time-consuming nature of manual trial folding while preserving the precision of alignment correction
2Manufacturing precision
If manual trial folding is performed to check misalignment, then folding alignment accuracy is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-correction through the folding misalignment amount detection unit that automatically identifies alignment deviations and the adjustment mechanism that autonomously corrects them. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operators to perform complex manual trial folding procedures, significantly simplifying operation while maintaining high alignment accuracy through automated detection and correction
3Measurement precision
If repeated trial folding and adjustment operations are performed, then reference guide inclination accuracy is improved, but device utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the folding misalignment amount before adjustment is needed. By having the detection unit continuously monitor and measure misalignment, the system is prepared with the exact correction amount needed, allowing for immediate single-step adjustment rather than repeated trial operations. This preliminary detection action maintains high inclination accuracy while maximizing device utilization efficiency by minimizing adjustment iterations
Data Source
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AI summary
A sheet folding apparatus includes a sheet folding unit disposed to fold a sheet and a conveyance unit disposed to feed the sheet to the sheet folding unit in a feed direction orthogonal to a fold direction of the sheet folding unit while correcting a skew of the sheet. The conveyance unit includes an elongated reference guide, a conveyance mechanism disposed to convey the sheet in the feed direction while exerting a force on the sheet toward the reference guide, an adjustment mechanism disposed to adjust an inclination of the reference guide with respect to the feed direction. The apparatus further includes an input unit through which a user inputs a folding misalignment amount of the sheet folded by the sheet folding unit. The inclination of the reference guide is corrected by the adjustment mechanism based on at least the folding misalignment amount inputted through the input unit.