Spreading Device with Guided Arms for Fold-Free Document Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for opening identification documents, such as passports, often result in the formation of folds or bulges, and do not allow for efficient automated opening, especially when the document needs to be processed further for individualization.
Innovation Solution
A spreading device with two steerable spreading arms that move from the inside to the outside, featuring a first guide element that can be displaced in a guide recess when pressed, allowing the document to open without folds or bulges, and includes features like rolling elements and a centering mechanism for efficient handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional opening devices are used, then the document can be opened, but folds or bulges are formed in the document
Solution Approach 1:
The opening device is divided into two separate spreading arms that can move independently, with each arm having its own guide element. This segmentation allows for controlled, independent movement of each side of the document, preventing the formation of folds or bulges while maintaining document integrity during the opening process
Solution Approach 2:
Guide elements are introduced as intermediary components between the spreading arms and the document. These guide elements move within guide recesses and provide a controlled interface that prevents direct, uncontrolled contact between the spreading arms and the document, thereby avoiding damage while enabling efficient opening
2Productivity
If manual opening is used, then document integrity is maintained, but automation efficiency is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are designed to move automatically within their guide recesses as the spreading arms are actuated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or complex control systems, enabling automated opening while maintaining document integrity through the inherent mechanical guidance built into the device
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates movable guide elements that can dynamically adjust their position within guide recesses during the opening process. This dynamic design allows the device to adapt to different document types and opening requirements while maintaining automated operation, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing document integrity
3Force
If spreading arms are pressed against the document, then opening force is applied, but document damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Guide elements serve as intermediary components between the spreading arms and the document. These intermediaries distribute and control the applied force, preventing concentrated stress points that could cause document damage while still providing sufficient opening force to efficiently separate the document pages
Solution Approach 2:
The guide elements move within guide recesses, changing their position and orientation parameters during the opening process. This parameter change allows for controlled force application that adapts to the document's resistance, preventing excessive force that could cause damage while maintaining sufficient opening force throughout the process
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
Enables the efficient and cost-effective automated opening of identification documents, preventing damage and ensuring smooth processing, such as personalization, by maintaining the document's integrity and structure.
Implementation Method 1
the first guide element can be displaced in the first guide recess when the first pressure element is pressed
Implementation Method 2
The first pressing element can be formed by a rolling element, for example a roller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a spreading device (100) for opening an identification document (101), having: a first spreading arm (103) which comprises a first pressing element (105) on a first spreading arm section and a first guide element (107) on a second spreading arm section, wherein the first pressing element (105) can be pressed against the identification document (101), a spreading arm guide (109) with a first guide recess (111) for movably receiving the first guide element (107) of the first spreading arm (103), wherein the first guide element (107) can be displaced in the first guide recess (111) in the case of a pressing pressure on the first pressing element (105), a second spreading arm (113) which can be pressed against the identification document (101), and wherein the first spreading arm (103) can be spread laterally relative to the second spreading arm (113) as a result of a displacement of the first guide element (107) in the first guide recess (111), in order to open the identification document (101).