Sheet Processing Apparatus Roller Control for Jam Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sheet processing apparatuses face conveyance jams when sheet bundles with needle-free bindings are not removed, leading to disrupted sheet conveyance.

Innovation Solution

A controller-driven mechanism that alternately rotates rollers or adjusts roller speeds to weaken and remove needle-free binding sections, allowing for the separation and conveyance of individual sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sheet bundle with needle-free binding is conveyed through the sheet processing apparatus, then the sheets are bound together for easy handling, but the binding section causes conveyance jams and disrupts normal sheet conveyance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling of sheet bundleVSAvoidconveyance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs preliminary detection of needle-free bindings before conveyance using detection rollers that sense the presence of bindings. When detected, the system proactively removes the bindings using removal rollers before the sheets enter the main conveyance path, preventing jams before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus extracts and removes the needle-free binding sections from the sheet bundle using removal rollers that apply frictional force to separate the bound sheets. This extraction eliminates the harmful binding elements while preserving the individual sheets for normal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If the apparatus removes needle-free bindings to prevent conveyance jams, then conveyance reliability is improved, but the removal process adds time and reduces processing speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance reliabilityVSAvoidsheet processing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The binding removal is performed preliminarily and automatically as sheets enter the apparatus, so that by the time sheets reach the main processing stage, they are already separated and ready for rapid processing. This eliminates the need for slower manual removal during processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection and removal mechanisms operate automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting bindings and initiating removal processes autonomously, maintaining continuous operation without stopping the conveyance flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual removal of needle-free bindings is required, then conveyance jams are prevented, but the complexity of operation increases and user burden is imposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus performs automatic detection and removal of needle-free bindings without requiring user intervention. The system monitors the sheet feed path, identifies bindings using detection rollers, and activates removal mechanisms automatically, making the process transparent to the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The detection rollers provide continuous feedback about the presence of needle-free bindings in the sheet bundle. This feedback triggers automatic control signals to the removal rollers, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the actual sheet condition without user input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively eliminates conveyance jams by removing needle-free binding sections, enabling smooth sheet conveyance and preventing jams in sheet processing apparatuses.

Implementation Method 1

a conveyance mechanism that conveys the sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A controller-driven mechanism that alternately rotates rollers or adjusts roller speeds to weaken and remove needle-free binding sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3447583B1Sheet processing apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 TOSHIBA TEC KK
  • EP3447583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sheet processing apparatus is described. The sheet processing apparatus includes a housing section, a conveyance mechanism and a controller. The housing section accommodates a sheet. The conveyance mechanism conveys the sheet accommodated in the housing section to a predetermined position at the downstream side in a sheet conveyance direction. The controller controls the conveyance mechanism to remove a needle-free binding section of a sheet bundle if a conveyance jam of the sheet occurs.