Shredder Actuating Element Thickness Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper shredders are prone to overloading and jamming when thick stacks of paper are inserted, which can damage the cutting mechanism and stall the motor, posing an annoyance and risk to users.
Innovation Solution
A shredding machine with a moveable actuating element that engages when excessive paper thickness is detected, preventing energization of the cutting mechanism by pivoting into a position that breaks the electrical circuit, using a spring bias and non-contacting sensing means like a photo-switch to detect sheet material thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the feed-aperture accepts multiple sheets without thickness limitation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to overloading and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is positioned to detect paper thickness before the paper reaches the cutting mechanism. By measuring the thickness of the paper stack in advance and preventing operation when excessive, the system avoids overloading and jamming, thus maintaining reliability while allowing easy insertion of acceptable stacks.
2Measurement precision
If the actuating element extends further into the feed-aperture to detect thicker papers, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the actuating element further in the vertical dimension into the feed-aperture, the invention uses the horizontal dimension by positioning the actuating element laterally adjacent to the feed-aperture. The element detects paper thickness by contacting the side of paper stacks inserted into the feed-aperture, achieving measurement precision without increasing vertical extension or mechanical complexity.
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
Prevents overloading and jamming by automatically de-energizing the cutting mechanism when excessive paper thickness is inserted, protecting the machine and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
said actuating element is biased towards said first position... said bias is provided by a spring
Implementation Method 2
said switch comprises a non-contacting sensing means... said switch is a photo-switch
Data Source
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AI summary
A shredding machine is disclosed which is particularly suitable for domestic or office use in shredding papers or the like. The machine comprises a feed aperture arranged above an electric cutting mechanism, the feed aperture preferably taking the form of a feed slot. The machine is characterised by the provision of an actuating element which is moveable, preferably in a pivotal manner, between a first position in which the actuating element permits energisation of the cutting mechanism, and a second position in which the actuating element prevents energisation of the cutting mechanism. The arrangement is such that the actuating element extends into the feed slot and is configured such that the part of the element extending into the feed slot will be engaged by sheet material inserted into the feed slot if the sheet material exceeds a predetermined thickness, said engagement thus being effective to move the actuating element from the first position to the second position to prevent energisation of the cutting mechanism.