Shutter Mechanism with Dynamic Coupling for Foreign Object Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional post-processing apparatuses face challenges in preventing foreign objects from entering the binding area during the stapling process, particularly in distinguishing between sheet bundles and foreign objects based on thickness, which can lead to improper binding or safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

The post-processing apparatus incorporates a shutter mechanism with an avoidance operation portion and a drive coupler that moves to a closing position to block foreign objects, utilizing a changeover switch to ensure the binding device only operates when the shutter is in the correct position, preventing foreign objects from entering the binding area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a shutter mechanism with sensor detection is used to prevent foreign objects, then foreign object detection capability is improved, but the system cannot reliably distinguish between sheet bundles and foreign objects of similar thickness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign object detection capabilityVSAvoiddistinguishment accuracy between sheet bundle and foreign object

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter mechanism is divided into multiple segments: a closing portion that blocks the entrance, an avoidance operation portion that can be independently actuated, and a drive coupler that transmits driving force. This segmentation allows the system to detect foreign objects while maintaining the ability to distinguish them from sheet bundles through differential movement responses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The avoidance operation portion is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing it to move to a closing position under specific conditions. The system transitions from a static shutter to a dynamic one that can adapt its position based on whether a sheet bundle or foreign object is detected, improving reliability by enabling conditional blocking behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shutter closes to prevent foreign objects from entering the binding area, then safety is improved, but the binding device cannot operate when the shutter is closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign object entry preventionVSAvoidbinding operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational states through the changeover switch: a first state where the avoidance operation portion moves to close the entrance and disable binding, and a second state where it remains open and enables binding. This dynamic state switching allows the system to prioritize safety when foreign objects are detected while maintaining productivity during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The changeover switch acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the shutter position and the binding device operation. It receives signals about the presence of sheet bundles or foreign objects and accordingly switches the binding device between enabled and disabled states, ensuring that binding only occurs when safe while maintaining operational capability when appropriate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the avoidance operation portion is always coupled to the drive coupler, then the shutter reliably closes to prevent foreign objects, but the system cannot enable binding operation when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign object blocking capabilityVSAvoidoperational state switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling between the avoidance operation portion and drive coupler is made dynamic rather than fixed. The coupling can be engaged or disengaged based on operational conditions, allowing the system to switch between a reliable closing mode (when foreign objects are detected) and an operational mode (when sheet bundles are present). This dynamic coupling provides the adaptability needed for versatile operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system preliminarily prevents foreign object entry by having the avoidance operation portion ready to close the entrance when foreign objects are detected. The coupling mechanism is designed to engage automatically under specific conditions, creating a preliminary protective action that blocks foreign objects before they can enter the binding area, while allowing normal operation when no threat is present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11358825B2Post processing apparatus and image forming system

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A post-processing apparatus includes a binding device, a closing device, a driver, and a changeover switch. The binding device binds a sheet bundle. The closing device closes an entrance to a binding position at which the binding device binds the sheet bundle. The driver moves the closing device to a closing position to close the entrance. The switch performs switching to implement a state in which the binding device is able to bind the sheet bundle when the closing device moves to the closing position. The closing device includes an avoidance operation portion to move to the closing position to operate the switch, and a drive coupler coupled to the avoidance operation portion to move the avoidance operation portion to the closing position. A coupling state between the avoidance operation portion and the drive coupler is released when movement of the avoidance operation portion to the closing position is prevented.