Electric Stapler Photo Sensor Inclined Axis Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric staplers face challenges in accurately detecting the full insertion of a paper bundle before initiating the binding process, leading to improper binding positions and idle staple striking due to photo sensor placement issues.

Innovation Solution

The electric stapler employs photo sensors disposed on the table with inclined optical axes toward the clincher, allowing for precise detection of the paper bundle insertion and preventing premature binding operations by ensuring the bundle is fully inserted before processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the photo sensor is disposed on the deep side of the clincher position, then the paper bundle can be detected in a state where it is surely inserted at the clincher position, but it is not easy to dispose the photo sensor due to the structure of the electric stapler

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photo sensor is disposed laterally adjacent to the clincher rather than deep behind it, changing the detection dimension from longitudinal to lateral. The optical axis is inclined downward so that the detection point is positioned above the clincher position, achieving accurate detection without complex deep-side disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the photo sensor is disposed on the upper-stream side of the clincher position, then the structure is simpler, but the paper bundle is detected before it is inserted completely, resulting in binding at an improper position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing the photo sensor upstream and waiting for time delay, the sensor is placed laterally with an inclined optical axis. This dimensional change allows the detection point to be positioned above the clincher, enabling immediate accurate detection when the paper bundle reaches the correct position without requiring time delay or complex timing control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If the timing from detection to binding is delayed, then the paper bundle can be inserted fully, but the user may draw out the paper bundle judging that binding will not be carried out, resulting in idle striking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebinding reliabilityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The photo sensor is positioned to detect the paper bundle before the binding operation starts, allowing the system to prepare and ensure proper insertion in advance. The lateral disposal with inclined optical axis enables the detection point to be above the clincher, so detection occurs at the optimal moment when the paper bundle is properly positioned, eliminating the need for delay and preventing idle striking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Adaptability or versatility

If the paper bundle is inserted from lateral direction, then the user can insert from any direction, but the binding operation is carried out before the paper bundle is inserted fully

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion direction flexibilityVSAvoidbinding position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The photo sensor is disposed laterally adjacent to the clincher with its optical axis inclined downward, creating a localized detection zone above the clincher position. This local quality approach ensures that regardless of the insertion direction (from front or lateral), the sensor detects the paper bundle when it reaches the correct position above the clincher, maintaining binding position precision while accepting versatile insertion directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution ensures accurate and timely detection of paper bundle insertion, preventing idle staple striking and ensuring proper binding positions, while also simplifying the sensor placement and enhancing detection accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

photo sensor for detecting an existence of the paper bundle inserted into a gap between the table and the driver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

photo sensor for detecting an existence of the paper bundle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8365970B2Electric stapler that detects paper

Publication Date: 2013.02.05 MAX CO LTD

AI summary

An electric stapler includes: a driver for driving leg portions of a staple having a U-shaped section to penetrate the leg portions through a paper bundle; a table including a clincher for bending and forming the penetrated leg portions inwardly, the table for holding the paper bundle between the driver and the table; a motor for moving the table and the driver; a photo sensor for detecting an existence of the paper bundle inserted into a gap between the table and the driver; and a control portion for driving the motor. The photo sensor is disposed on the table in such a manner that a detection point of the photo sensor for detecting the paper bundle exists upwardly of a disposing position of the clincher by inclining an optical axis direction of a radiation light to be emitted from the photo sensor in a direction of the clincher.