Sheet Processing Apparatus Width Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet processing apparatuses face difficulties in width adjusting punched sheets due to the leading edge of succeeding sheets getting caught in holes of preceding sheets, which can cause the preceding sheets to be pushed out of the processing tray, especially when the leading edge is curled or hole edges are burried.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing apparatus with a control unit that moves the sheets in the width direction by a distance larger than the holed area's width each time a punched sheet is loaded, preventing the succeeding sheet from being caught in holes and allowing for easy width adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the leading edge of the succeeding sheet slides over the preceding punched sheets during loading, then the sheet can be loaded onto the processing tray, but the leading edge gets caught in holes of the preceding sheets, pushing them out of the tray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet loadingVSAvoidsheet stacking stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing width adjustment of the succeeding sheet before it is fully loaded onto the processing tray. The width adjustment unit adjusts the width of the succeeding sheet while it is still being conveyed, so that when the sheet is completely loaded, its leading edge does not overlap with the holes of preceding sheets, preventing the catching problem

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If width adjustment is applied to punched sheets before discharging, then the sheets can be properly aligned, but the leading edge of succeeding sheets gets caught in holes, making width adjustment difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewidth adjustment precisionVSAvoidwidth adjustment operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The width adjustment is performed as a preliminary action during the sheet loading process rather than after loading. The width adjustment unit is positioned to adjust the sheet width while the sheet is being conveyed onto the tray, ensuring that the adjusted sheet is properly positioned before it can interfere with preceding sheets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual or post-loading mechanical width adjustment with an automated width adjustment mechanism that operates during sheet conveyance. The width adjustment unit automatically adjusts the sheet width based on predetermined settings, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring consistent precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the leading edge of the succeeding sheet is curled or hole edges are burred, then the sheet can be loaded, but the leading edge is more liable to get caught in holes, causing sheet displacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet loadingVSAvoidleading edge curling and burring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The width adjustment is performed in advance during the loading process, ensuring that even if the leading edge is curled or burrs are present, the sheet is positioned such that these defects do not cause it to get caught in the holes of preceding sheets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the succeeding sheet through width adjustment during loading, which counteracts the potential harmful effect of curled leading edges or burred hole edges that would otherwise cause the sheet to get caught in preceding sheets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS8678367B2Device for aligning punched sheets

Publication Date: 2014.03.25 CANON FINETECH NISCA INC

AI summary

The present invention prevents a succeeding sheet from being caught in holes of preceding punched sheets.