Single Roller Sheet Folding via Nested Guide Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet folding apparatuses are limited in their ability to efficiently perform multiple folds of paper, particularly in achieving precise folding configurations like 4-folds, Z-folds, and W-folds, due to constraints in guide path lengths and roller sizes, which affect the accuracy and reliability of the folding process.
Innovation Solution
The sheet folding apparatus employs a configuration with first and second rollers and guide paths, where the positioning member and push member work in conjunction with shift members to guide the paper through multiple folding nips, allowing for precise control over folding locations and multiple folds by utilizing guide paths that are at least half or a third of the paper length, and incorporating gate members to select inner or outer guide paths based on paper length and thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pairs of rollers that number as many as the number of times paper is folded are used, then the folding capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single pair of rollers is designed to perform multiple folding operations by utilizing guide paths that can route the paper through the rollers multiple times. The rollers serve multiple functions: initial folding, intermediate folding, and final folding, eliminating the need for separate roller pairs for each folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide paths are configured to nest the paper through the rollers multiple times in a compact arrangement. The paper path is designed to loop back through the same roller pair, creating a nested folding sequence where the same physical components are reused across multiple folding stages.
2Manufacturing precision
If guide paths are made longer to accommodate multiple folds, then the folding precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide paths utilize vertical and lateral dimensions in addition to the horizontal paper feed direction. By routing the paper upward and sideways through the guide paths, the system achieves multiple folds without extending the horizontal footprint of the device, effectively using three-dimensional space to accommodate precise folding sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet folding apparatus including a folding roller, a positioning member, a push member, and a shift member. The folding roller including a pair of rollers to rotatably engage with each other to form a folding nip. The positioning member to support a first end of a printing medium which is fed along a folding path and to arrange the printing medium in an initial folding location. The push member to move to an insertion location to push the printing medium on the folding path into the folding nip, and to move to a retreat location. The shift member, located at an exit of the folding nip, to selectively guide the printing medium to a guide path to return the printing medium having passed through the folding nip to the folding path, the guide path being provided around at least one of the pair of rollers.