Stapler Detachable Cut Staple Storage Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing staplers require moving to a specific position to recover cut staples, leading to decreased productivity and potential staple leakage into post-processing apparatuses, due to limited cut staple storage capacity and the need to frequently replenish staples.

Innovation Solution

A stapler with a detachable cut staple storage unit integrated into the device, allowing for storage and recovery of cut staples regardless of position, reducing the need for frequent staple replenishment and minimizing staple leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the cut staple storage unit is provided on the post-processing apparatus side, then the cut staple can be stored externally, but the stapler must be moved to a specific position for recovery which decreases productivity and may cause staple leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorable amount of cut stapleVSAvoidproductivity of booklet binding
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cut staple storage unit is segmented from the post-processing apparatus and integrated into the stapler as a separate, detachable component. This allows the storage function to be divided between the stapler (for immediate access) and the post-processing apparatus (for bulk storage), eliminating the need to move the stapler while maintaining high cut staple capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A discharge passage is introduced as an intermediary channel within the stapler that connects the cutting unit to the cut staple storage unit. This intermediary structure allows cut staples to be automatically discharged and stored without moving the stapler, preventing leakage into the post-processing apparatus while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If the cut staple storage unit is enlarged to increase storage capacity, then more cut staples can be stored, but the staple cartridge size must be reduced which decreases the number of binding times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorable amount of cut stapleVSAvoidnumber of binding times
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cut staple storage unit is positioned in a different spatial dimension within the stapler structure, utilizing vertical or lateral space rather than horizontal space. This dimensional reorganization allows both the staple cartridge and cut staple storage unit to coexist with adequate sizes, maintaining both binding capacity and cut staple storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The cut staple storage unit is nested within the stapler body structure, utilizing the internal space efficiently. The discharge passage is nested within the existing mechanical components, allowing the storage unit to be integrated without increasing the overall stapler size or reducing the staple cartridge capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If the stapler is moved to the position of cut staple storage unit for recovery, then cut staples can be discharged externally, but productivity decreases and staple leakage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecut staple discharge capabilityVSAvoidstaple leakage into post-processing apparatus
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cut staple storage unit is extracted from the post-processing apparatus and integrated into the stapler, creating a self-contained system. The discharge passage is extracted as a separate channel that directs cut staples into the storage unit without exposing them to the post-processing apparatus interior, preventing leakage while enabling continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3184270B1Stapler, post-processing apparatus and image forming system
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 MAX CO LTD
  • EP3184270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3184270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3184270B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A stapler includes a staple cartridge in which a staple is stored, a storage unit to which the staple cartridge is attached to be detachable, a staple ejecting unit which ejects out the staple to penetrate a paper sheet, a cutting unit which cuts a staple leg of the staple penetrating the paper sheet, a binding unit which binds the paper sheet by bending the staple leg of the staple penetrating the paper sheet, a cut staple storage unit which stores a cut staple that is cut by the cutting unit, and a discharge unit through which the cutting unit and the cut staple storage unit communicate with each other to guide the cut staple to the cut staple storage unit. The cut staple storage unit is attachable to and detachable from the stapler.