Sheet Processing System Tri-Folding Position Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet processing systems face difficulties in adjusting folding positions for non-standard envelope sizes and non-envelope applications, limiting user flexibility in designating fold widths, which can result in sheets being caught during the folding process and preventing the creation of a proper C-fold.

Innovation Solution

A sheet processing system that includes processors and memories to accept user input for sheet length and set margin-based folding positions, allowing for tri-folding at two distinct positions, enabling flexible fold width designation and preventing sheet catching during the folding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the user designates fold widths freely for non-standard envelope sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the sheet may be caught at the fold, reducing the reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to non-standard envelope sizesVSAvoidreliability of folding process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the second fold width based on the designated first fold width and sheet length, ensuring that the sum of fold widths maintains appropriate proportions to prevent sheet catching while accommodating non-standard envelope sizes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit calculates and adjusts the second fold width automatically based on feedback from the designated first fold width and sheet dimensions, preventing sheet catching by maintaining proper fold width relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the user makes subtle adjustments to preset folding positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the flexibility in designating fold widths is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting folding positionsVSAvoidflexibility in designating fold widths

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static preset fold widths to dynamic user-designated fold widths, where the first fold width can be freely specified and the second fold width automatically adjusts based on sheet length and margin settings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fold width setting is divided into two independent parameters: the first fold width that users can designate freely, and the second fold width that is calculated automatically based on sheet dimensions and margin requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the system uses preset folding positions, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for non-standard sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of folding processVSAvoidease of setting for non-standard sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically calculates the second fold width based on the designated first fold width and sheet length, eliminating the need for users to manually calculate or adjust multiple parameters while maintaining reliable folding results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240417207A1Sheet processing system, method of controlling sheet processing system, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 CANON KK

AI summary

A sheet processing system according to the present disclosure is a sheet processing system for tri-folding a sheet at a first folding position and a second folding position different from the first folding position, including: an acceptance unit configured to accept a length from an end of the sheet to the first folding position; and a setting unit configured to set the second folding position based on a length of the sheet, the length accepted by the acceptance unit, and a margin.