Electric Stapler Clamp Release Detection for Discharge Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electric staplers, the discharge of a paper bundle is delayed due to reliance on a home position sensor output, leading to unnecessary waiting and potential mechanical failures when the load varies, as the timing for discharge is determined based on a small load scenario, causing premature discharge before the clinching process is complete for larger loads.
Innovation Solution
An electric stapler with a clamp part, penetration part, clinch part, and a gripping release detection unit that outputs a signal when the paper bundle is released, allowing for precise detection of the discharge timing based on the rotation amount and load conditions, ensuring the clinching process is completed before discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discharge timing is determined based on home position sensor output, then discharge timing can be detected, but unnecessary waiting occurs from when dischargeable state is established to when output signal is received
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the dischargeable state by monitoring the actual mechanical condition (clamp opening) before the home position sensor completes its signal cycle. The control unit determines discharge timing in advance based on clamp part position, allowing the discharge unit to be prepared beforehand, thus eliminating unnecessary waiting time while maintaining accurate discharge timing detection.
2Productivity
If discharge timing is determined based on small load scenario, then discharge timing can be established, but premature discharge occurs before clinching completion when load is large
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual dischargeable state through detection units that sense the clamp part's opening position. The control unit adjusts the discharge timing decision based on real-time feedback about whether the clamp is actually open and clinching is complete, preventing premature discharge under high load conditions while maintaining efficient discharge timing under light load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge timing determination is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of using a fixed timing based on small load scenarios, the system adaptively determines discharge timing based on actual load conditions and real-time mechanical state detection. The control unit modifies discharge timing decisions dynamically according to the detected dischargeable state, ensuring reliable operation across varying load conditions while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric stapler (1A) includes a clamp part (2) that is configured to include a first wall portion (21) and a second wall portion (22) for gripping a paper bundle (P), a penetration part (3) that causes a staple (10) to penetrate the paper bundle gripped by the clamp part, a clinch part (4) that bends the staple penetrating the paper bundle to bind the paper bundle, a gripping release detection unit that detects that the paper bundle is released from gripping after the first wall portion moves in the direction of separating from the second wall portion from a state where the paper bundle is gripped by the clamp part; and an output unit that, after it is detected that the paper bundle is released from gripping of the clamp part, outputs a gripping release signal indicating that the paper bundle is released from gripping of the clamp part to an outside.