Sheet Alignment Paddle With Variable Contact Positions for Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet post-processing devices face challenges in efficiently aligning and stapling sheets due to variations in sheet type and ink usage, leading to deflection or rebound issues during alignment.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a conveying member, processing tray, reference plate, alignment member, and control unit to adjust the acting position of the alignment paddle based on sheet characteristics, ensuring secure alignment and stapling by varying the paddle's contact points during the alignment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the alignment paddle contacts the sheet at a fixed position, then the alignment process is simple, but deflection or rebound issues occur due to variations in sheet type and ink usage
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment paddle is designed to rotate about a fulcrum, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one. This rotation allows the paddle to adapt its contact position with the sheet based on sheet characteristics such as type and ink usage, thereby preventing deflection and rebound issues while maintaining alignment reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the contact position parameter of the alignment paddle dynamically. By allowing the paddle to rotate and contact the sheet at different positions (first acting position vs. second acting position), the system adapts to variations in sheet properties, resolving the contradiction between reliable alignment and process simplicity
2Manufacturing precision
If the alignment paddle contacts the sheet multiple times during alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but the alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment paddle performs periodic contact with the sheet during its rotation, making multiple contacts (at least twice) as it moves from the first acting position to the second acting position. This periodic action ensures precise alignment through multiple contact points while the rotational motion allows these contacts to occur within a single continuous alignment cycle, minimizing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment paddle is positioned to first contact the sheet at the first acting position before reaching the second acting position. This preliminary contact allows the system to prepare for the final alignment position, ensuring precision is achieved through staged contact rather than requiring additional separate alignment operations, thus reducing total alignment time
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 approach ensures secure alignment and stapling of sheets regardless of sheet type or ink usage, preventing deflection and maintaining consistent contact with the sheets, thereby improving the efficiency of the stapling process.
Implementation Method 1
an alignment paddle having a paddle holder disposed above the processing tray so as to be supported in a swingable manner in the carry-in direction, and an alignment paddle having a paddle main body supported in a rotatable manner at a swinging end of the paddle holder and at least one paddle part protruding from the paddle main body in a radial direction, so as to move the sheet carried in onto the processing tray in the alignment direction for aiding alignment of the sheets
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet post-processing device includes a conveying member, a processing tray, a processing section, a reference plate, an alignment member, a holder drive unit, and a control unit. The alignment member includes a paddle holder, and an alignment paddle having a paddle main body supported in a rotatable manner at the paddle holder, and a paddle part protruding from the paddle main body. The holder drive unit moves the alignment paddle in a reciprocating manner, between a reference position to separate the paddle part above a top sheet and an acting position to allow the paddle part to contact with the top sheet. The control unit sets a second acting position when the paddle part contacts with the sheet at n1-th time, to be higher than a first acting position when the paddle part contacts with the sheet at m1-th time, where 1≤m1<n1 holds.