Sheet Stacking Apparatus with Inclined Plane for Sorting Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet sorting machines face challenges in efficiently sorting sheets of varying thickness, balance, and shape due to operator limitations, leading to reduced processing capacity and potential damage to sheets, especially when handling heavy or large items like books and envelopes.

Innovation Solution

A sheet stacking apparatus with a hopper unit, rotating part, and control unit that automatically positions and stacks sheets without operator intervention, using a push-plate and inclined plane mechanism to prevent damage and ensure continuous feeding, even for sheets with different dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If operator manually stacks sheets continuously, then sheet supply continuity is improved, but operator workload and potential for damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet supply continuityVSAvoidoperator workload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stacking apparatus enables sheets to be stacked automatically through the hopper unit's gravitational feed mechanism and push-plate advancement system, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the stacking process while maintaining continuous supply to the feeding unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical stacking operation is replaced by an automated mechanical system comprising the hopper unit, push-plate, and inclined plane mechanism that automatically positions and stacks sheets without operator physical intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If operator places sheets with spacing, then sheet placement is easier, but processing speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet placement easeVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper unit maintains continuous contact with the sheets through its inclined plane structure, and the push-plate continuously advances sheets onto the conveying table without interruption, eliminating the spacing that would occur with manual placement and thereby maintaining high processing speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automatic stacking is implemented, then processing speed is improved, but handling of varying sheet dimensions becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidhandling of varying sheet dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hopper unit and push-plate mechanism are designed with universal adaptability to handle sheets of varying dimensions, thicknesses, and weights through adjustable positioning features and a flexible inclined plane structure that accommodates different sheet types including books and large envelopes

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

4Productivity

If high-speed sorting is implemented, then sorting efficiency is improved, but sheet damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidsheet damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined plane structure in the hopper unit provides a gradual, cushioned transition for sheets as they are fed from the stack, preventing sudden impacts or damage while maintaining high-speed operation. The push-plate also advances sheets smoothly without abrupt movements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 apparatus enables efficient and damage-free stacking of sheets, reducing operator load and allowing for high-speed, stable operation of the sheet sorting machine by ensuring continuous feeding and handling of diverse sheet types.

Implementation Method 1

using a push-plate and inclined plane mechanism to prevent damage and ensure continuous feeding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

A sheet stacking apparatus with a hopper unit, rotating part, and control unit that automatically positions and stacks sheets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP2441713B1Document loading device, document loading method and document sorting machine
Publication Date: 2019.02.20 NEC CORP
  • EP2441713B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2441713B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2441713B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A hopper unit 2 which includes stacking unit 22 on which a plurality of sheets, which are in a standing-stack state, are placed, a push-plate 23 to push out the sheets which are placed on the stacking unit 22, a push-plate moving part to drive the push-plate 23, and a rising and falling part to make the stacking unit 22 and the push-plate 23 rise and fall, a hopper unit moving part 3 which moves the hopper unit 2 between a supplying position where the hopper units 2 is supplied with the sheet and a predetermined stacking position on a sheet supplying apparatus 6 where the sheet is placed, and a control unit which controls the hopper unit moving part, the rising and falling part and the push-plate moving part are arranged.