Sheet Processing Device Simultaneous Feeding for Separation Bottleneck

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet separation devices have low productivity due to the time-consuming process of separating two-ply sheets and inserting an inner sheet, requiring user confirmation and separate operations for sheet separation and insertion.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing device with a first and second sheet feeder and a controller that feeds the two-ply sheet and an inner sheet simultaneously, allowing the inner sheet to be inserted before the sheet separation is complete, enhancing the automation and efficiency of the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sheet separation is performed completely before inner sheet insertion, then sheet separation is reliable, but processing time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet separation reliabilityVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The inner sheet is fed and positioned in advance before the sheet separation is fully completed. The controller starts the inner sheet feeding operation during the sheet separation process, so that the inner sheet is ready to be inserted as soon as the separation is finished, eliminating waiting time and improving overall productivity while maintaining separation reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Extent of automation

If automatic sheet separation is performed, then automation is improved, but user intervention is still required for inner sheet insertion timing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet separation automationVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages both sheet separation and inner sheet insertion without requiring user intervention. The controller coordinates the timing of inner sheet feeding based on the sheet separation progress, and the system automatically determines when insertion should occur, making the entire process autonomous and simplifying operation for the user

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If separate operations are used for sheet separation and inner sheet insertion, then each operation can be optimized, but total processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation precisionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet separation operation and inner sheet feeding operation are merged into a coordinated process. The controller executes both operations simultaneously or in overlapping time periods, so that the inner sheet is fed during the sheet separation process. This merging eliminates sequential waiting time while maintaining the precision of each individual operation through controlled coordination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3907080B1Sheet processing device, sheet laminator, image forming apparatus, and image forming system
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3907080B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3907080B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3907080B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

A sheet processing device (1, 1A) is configured to separate a two-ply sheet (PJ, S) in which two sheets (P1, P2) are overlapped and bonded together at one end of the two-ply sheet. The sheet processing device includes a first sheet feeder (2, 11) configured to feed the two-ply sheet (PJ, S), a second sheet feeder (3, 12) configured to feed an inner sheet (PM) to be inserted between the two sheets in a state in which the two-ply sheet is separated, and a controller (500, 500A) configured to cause the first sheet feeder to feed the two-ply sheet, perform a sheet separating operation on the two-ply sheet to separate the two-ply sheet, and cause the second sheet feeder to start feeding the inner sheet before completion of the sheet separating operation.