Stacking Apparatus Single Motor Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet stacking apparatuses require complex control mechanisms for synchronizing multiple motors to manage the up-and-down movement of stacking units, making it difficult to efficiently stack sheets of various sizes.
Innovation Solution
A stacking apparatus with a first stacking unit for normal-sized sheets and a second stacking unit that can be jointed to the first unit for larger sizes, using a single up-and-down movement motor to simplify the control and synchronization of both units, allowing for flexible size handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are provided for controlling up-and-down movements of multiple stacking units, then each stacking unit can be controlled independently, but the control complexity increases due to the need to synchronize multiple motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple motor control functions into a single motor by mechanically coupling multiple stacking units through a common shaft. The single motor rotates the shaft, and through gears and belts, this rotation is converted to synchronized vertical movement of all stacking units. This eliminates the need for multiple independent motors and their complex synchronization control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shaft as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits rotational motion from a single motor to multiple stacking units. The shaft acts as a mediator that distributes the driving force uniformly to all stacking units, ensuring synchronized movement without requiring complex electronic control coordination between multiple motors.
2Device complexity
If a single motor is used to drive multiple stacking units, then the control mechanism is simplified, but the motor may be overloaded when handling larger sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the loading of stacking units by allowing selective attachment. When handling larger sheets, only the necessary stacking units are attached to the shaft, distributing the load across fewer units. This segmentation approach prevents the motor from being overloaded while maintaining simplified control, as the motor only needs to drive the currently attached units rather than all units simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A stacking apparatus, comprising a first stacking unit (61a), for stacking sheets of a first size, configured to move vertically between an upper limit position and a lower limit position, and a second stacking unit (61b) for stacking sheets of a second size larger than the first size in cooperation with the first stacking unit, the second stacking unit being jointed to the first stacking unit at a predetermined position (P1), moving vertically together with the first stacking unit while being jointed to the first stacking unit above the predetermined position, and being released from a joint to the first stacking unit below the predetermined position.