Sheet Inclination Correction in Post-Processing Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-processing apparatuses require scanners or cameras, image data memory, and high-speed arithmetic processing elements to correct sheet inclinations, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus with a cutting device, inclination detectors, and an inclination corrector, controlled by a hardware processor, which detects and corrects sheet inclinations using rollers and shutters to adjust the conveyance path, allowing for accurate cutting without the need for external image analysis systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanner or camera is used to read images and calculate inclinations, then the inclination detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inclination detection function from complex image analysis systems (scanners/cameras with high-speed processors) and implements it using simple optical detectors that directly measure sheet position. This eliminates the need for expensive image data memory and arithmetic processing elements while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex image analysis components with inexpensive, simple optical detectors. The detectors use basic optical principles rather than sophisticated image processing, significantly reducing device cost and complexity while achieving the required measurement precision for inclination correction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If image data memory and high-speed arithmetic processing elements are added, then the inclination analysis capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic system of image data storage and arithmetic processing with a direct optical measurement system. The optical detectors immediately convert sheet position information into electrical signals for correction, eliminating the need for data memory and complex computation hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detectors directly provide inclination measurement information without requiring external image analysis systems. The system is self-sufficient, using simple optical principles to detect and enable correction of sheet inclination without needing additional expensive components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the inclination corrector uses multiple rollers and shutters, then the inclination correction effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inclination correction function into distinct components: upstream rollers for sheet engagement, downstream rollers for controlled conveyance, and shutters for path management. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving effective inclination correction through coordinated simple actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic control of the roller system, where rollers are selectively activated and deactivated during the correction process. The upstream rollers engage the sheet, the downstream rollers provide resistance to create the correction effect, and shutters dynamically block or allow sheet passage. This dynamic operation achieves precise inclination correction without requiring permanently 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
This solution reduces the cost and complexity of correcting sheet inclinations, improving cutting quality and eliminating the need for expensive image analysis components, while enabling efficient correction of both front edge and side edge inclinations.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination detector that detects a front edge of the sheet in the feed direction at multiple positions in the cross direction
Implementation Method 2
a side-edge detector that detects a position of a side edge of the sheet in the cross direction
Implementation Method 3
a pair of rollers on an upstream side and a pair of rollers on a downstream side in the feed direction
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes a cutting device, one or both of an inclination detector and a side-edge detector, an inclination corrector and a hardware processor. The cutting device cuts a sheet along one or both of a feed direction in which the sheet is conveyed and a cross direction perpendicular to the feed direction. The inclination detector detects a front edge of the sheet in the feed direction at multiple positions in the cross direction. The side-edge detector detects a position of a side edge of the sheet in the cross direction. The inclination corrector performs an inclination correction operation of correcting an inclination of the sheet. The hardware processor causes the cutting device to cut the sheet after causing the inclination corrector to perform the inclination correction operation for an amount of the inclination based on the detection by the inclination detector or the detection by the side-edge detector.