Sheet Processing Device Multiple Inner Sheet Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lamination technologies are limited in their ability to accurately insert multiple inner sheets into a two-ply lamination sheet and do not fully satisfy user requirements for desired laminate processing.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing device that includes a controller for both single and multiple insertion modes, allowing for precise insertion of one or more inner sheets into a two-ply sheet by stopping the lamination sheet during the insertion process, enhancing relative position accuracy and incorporating a heat pressing member for bonding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple inner sheets are inserted into a two-ply lamination sheet using conventional lamination technology, then the quantity of sheets processed increases, but the relative position accuracy of the sheets deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of inner sheets insertedVSAvoidrelative position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The lamination sheet is stopped before insertion, and the inner sheets are positioned in advance at the insertion position. This preliminary positioning action ensures that multiple inner sheets can be accurately placed without compromising position accuracy during the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between moving and stopped states of the lamination sheet. By stopping the sheet during insertion and resuming movement after insertion, the system maintains high position accuracy while enabling multiple sheet insertions through controlled dynamic transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the lamination sheet is stopped during insertion of one sheet, then the position accuracy improves, but the processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion position accuracyVSAvoidinsertion processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple inner sheets are positioned in advance at the insertion position before the lamination sheet stops. This preliminary positioning allows the sheet to remain stopped for a shorter duration while still enabling multiple insertions, thereby reducing the time loss associated with stopping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system minimizes the duration of the stopped state by performing multiple insertions during a single stop period. The useful action of insertion continues efficiently during the stopped phase, and the sheet resumes movement promptly after all insertions are complete, maintaining overall process continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If conventional lamination technology is used without a stopped state, then the processing speed is maintained, but the insertion accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsheet insertion accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inner sheets are positioned in advance at the insertion position before the lamination sheet arrives. This preliminary action ensures that when the sheet stops briefly for insertion, the accuracy is maximized without requiring prolonged stopping, thus preserving processing speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses dynamic control to stop the lamination sheet only for the minimum necessary duration to perform accurate insertions. After insertion, the sheet immediately resumes movement, maintaining high processing speed while achieving high insertion accuracy through controlled dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables accurate and efficient insertion of inner sheets into a two-ply sheet, improving the relative position accuracy and facilitating enhanced laminate processing with the ability to handle multiple sheets, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a heat pressing member to heat and press the two-ply sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a heat pressing member to heat and press the two-ply sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3909770B1Sheet processing device, laminator, image forming apparatus, and image forming system
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3909770B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3909770B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7
  • EP3909770B1 patent drawingFigure 8~10B

AI summary

A sheet processing device (100) inserts a sheet-shaped medium into a two-ply sheet in which two sheets are overlaid and partially bonded. The sheet processing device includes a controller (500) to execute a single insertion mode in which one sheet-shaped medium is inserted into the two-ply sheet and a multiple insertion mode in which a plurality of sheet-shaped media are inserted into the two-ply sheet along a conveyance direction. The controller (500) inserts the one sheet-shaped medium into the two-ply sheet in the single insertion mode and the plurality of sheet-shaped media into the two-ply sheet in the multiple insertion mode, with the two-ply sheet being stopped.