Sheet Stacker Flipping Device with Perpendicular Holding Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet stackers for medium-to-large volume printers struggle to reliably stack flexible sheets, such as long paper sheets or thin foils, as they often collapse during the flipping process, leading to undesirable folds and a disturbed stack.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacker system comprising a sheet flipping device and a holding device that moves in a direction perpendicular to the flipping axis, allowing the sheet to maintain freedom of movement while being supported, preventing collapse and ensuring reliable flipping and stacking, with optional features like a conveyor belt with suction holes or electrostatic charging for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transport belt is positioned adjacent the flipping device to force rigid sheets into the desired flipping motion, then the flipping of rigid sheets is improved, but flexible sheets collapse upon themselves during flipping resulting in folds and disturbed stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The transport belt is made movable relative to the flipping device, allowing the system to dynamically adjust between two operational modes: engaged to force rigid sheets into proper flipping, and disengaged to allow flexible sheets to pass freely without collapse. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by adapting the belt's interaction with sheets based on sheet flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet handling process is segmented into two distinct paths: one for rigid sheets where the transport belt actively forces flipping motion, and another for flexible sheets where the belt is disengaged to prevent interference. This segmentation allows each sheet type to be handled according to its specific requirements, resolving the adaptability issue.
2Reliability
If the holding device holds the sheet portion rigidly during flipping, then collapse prevention is improved, but sheet freedom of movement for flipping motion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device employs dynamic control of sheet engagement, transitioning between held and free states during the flipping process. The sheet is held firmly at the trailing end to prevent collapse, while the leading end maintains freedom to execute the flipping arc. This dynamic engagement pattern resolves the contradiction between rigid holding and flipping freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sheet receive different treatments during flipping: the trailing portion is firmly held by the holding device to prevent collapse, while the leading portion is allowed freedom of movement to complete the flipping motion. This local differentiation of holding strength resolves the contradiction between stability and motion freedom.
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
The system effectively stacks a wider range of media, including flexible sheets, by preventing collapse during the flipping process and allowing for precise control over the sheet's movement, resulting in a reliable and productive stacking solution.
Implementation Method 1
conveyor belt with suction holes
Implementation Method 2
electrostatic charging for secure holding
Data Source
AI summary
During flipping sheets may fold upon themselves under the influence of gravity. To prevent a sheet stacker is provided with a holding device for releasably holding at least a portion of the sheet at least partially during the flipping of the sheet by a sheet flipping device, wherein the holding device is configured for movement of the held portion of the sheet in a first direction perpendicular to the flipping axis.