Stapler Forming Plate with Sequential Retraction for Quieter Stapling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing staplers generate collision sounds when straight staples contact the face plate during the stapling process due to simultaneous retraction of shaping portions from the feeding path.

Innovation Solution

A stapler design with a forming plate that shapes staples into a U-shape, featuring separate first and second shaping portions that sequentially retract from the feeding path, allowing staggered contact of staple ends with the face plate to reduce sound generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If both shaping portions retract simultaneously from the feeding path, then the staple sheet can be fed efficiently, but collision sound is generated at both end portions of the straight staple

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestaple feeding efficiencyVSAvoidcollision sound
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The forming plate is divided into first and second shaping portions that operate independently. The first shaping portion shapes one leg portion of the staple while the second shaping portion shapes the other leg portion. This segmentation allows the shaping portions to retract at different times, preventing simultaneous contact of both staple ends with the face plate and reducing collision sound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shaping portions retract in a sequential, periodic manner rather than simultaneously. The first shaping portion retracts first, allowing its corresponding staple end to contact the face plate. Then the second shaping portion retracts, allowing its corresponding staple end to contact the face plate at a different time. This periodic action disperses the collision sound generation over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If the staple sheet is pressed by the staple pusher in the direction of the face plate, then the stapling operation is completed, but collision sound is amplified at both end portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestapling operation completionVSAvoidcollision sound
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the shaping portions into first and second independent units, the patent enables differential retraction timing. This segmentation allows the staple pusher to press the staple sheet while the shaping portions retract sequentially, preventing simultaneous collision of both staple ends with the face plate and reducing the amplified collision sound effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sequential retraction of shaping portions creates a periodic action pattern where one shaping portion retracts, allows staple end contact, then the other shaping portion retracts, allows its staple end contact. This periodic timing disperses the collision sound generation during the stapling operation, reducing overall noise while maintaining operation completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The staggered contact of staple ends with the face plate disperses the timing of sound generation, reducing overall collision noise compared to simultaneous contact.

Implementation Method 1

configured to shape the one leg portion by bending a part of the leading staple by being inserted at the position facing the face plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

configured to shape the other leg portion by bending another part of the leading staple by being inserted at the position facing the face plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4470736B1stapler
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 MAX CO LTD
  • EP4470736B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4470736B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4470736B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A stapler includes: a forming plate configured to shape a staple; a face plate provided at a position to be face the staple; and a feeding portion configured to feed a staple sheet. The forming plate includes a first shaping portion that is configured to shape one leg portion of the staple and a second shaping portion that is configured to shape another leg portion thereof. The second shaping portion is configured to retract from a position facing the face plate after the first shaping portion retracts from the position facing the face plate after shaping.