Two-Ply Sheet Separation Device with Dual-Claw Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet separation devices fail to satisfactorily separate the ends of a two-ply sheet where two sheets are overlapped and bonded together, leading to insertion sheet insertion issues due to incomplete separation at the opposite end of the bonding portion.

Innovation Solution

A sheet separation device with first and second separation claws that are inserted into a gap between the sheets, with the second claw moving in the width direction from the bonded end to the opposite end, effectively separating the two sheets without increasing the device's size or cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a single separator is used to separate two-ply sheets, then the device structure is simple, but the separation at the opposite end of the bonding portion is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation completenessVSAvoidseparator configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator is divided into two distinct separators: a first separator that separates from the bonding portion toward the opposite end, and a second separator that separates at the opposite end. This segmentation allows each separator to perform its specific separation function, achieving complete separation without requiring an overly complex single separator design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first separator performs preliminary separation by inserting into the gap between sheets and moving from the bonding portion toward the opposite end. This preliminary action creates initial separation that facilitates the subsequent action of the second separator at the opposite end, ensuring complete separation while maintaining a systematic approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the separator moves only in the conveyance direction, then the separation mechanism is simple, but the insertion sheet cannot be inserted at the opposite end

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion sheet insertionVSAvoidseparator movement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second separator is configured to move not only in the conveyance direction but also in the width direction of the two-ply sheet. This dynamic movement capability allows the second separator to properly position and separate sheets at the opposite end, enabling insertion sheet insertion while adding only minimal complexity to the movement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The width direction movement is specifically applied to the second separator at the opposite end where insertion is needed, rather than making the entire separator system complex. This local quality approach adds movement capability only where necessary, maintaining simplicity elsewhere in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a conventional single separator design is used, then the device size is compact, but the separation failure causes insertion sheet insertion issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation reliabilityVSAvoidseparator system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separator system is segmented into two specialized separators with distinct functions: the first separator handles separation from the bonding portion, and the second separator handles separation at the opposite end. This segmentation improves separation reliability by ensuring both ends are properly separated, while keeping each individual separator relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each separator is designed to perform multiple functions: separating sheets, creating gaps for insertion, and facilitating insertion sheet placement. This multi-functionality approach improves reliability without requiring additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3888914B1Sheet separation device, laminator, image forming apparatus, and image forming system
Publication Date: 2023.07.19 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3888914B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3888914B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3888914B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

A sheet separation device (1) separates a non-bonding portion (B) of a two-ply sheet (PJ) in which two sheets (PI, P2) are overlapped and bonded together at one end (A) of the two-ply sheet (PJ). The sheet separation device (1) includes a separator (16, 17) that includes a first separator (16) and a second separator (17). The first separator (16) is inserted into a gap (C) between the two sheets (PI, P2) of the two-ply sheet (PJ). The second separator (17) is inserted between the two sheets (PI, P2) at another end (B) of the two-ply sheet (PJ) opposite to the one end (A) of the two-ply sheet (PJ) and moves in a width direction of the two-ply sheet (PJ), after the first separator (16) is inserted into the gap (C) and relatively moves from the one end (A) to said another end (B).