Stapler Device Reciprocating Rotational Mechanism External Paper Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stapler devices for image forming and post-processing apparatuses are limited in their ability to perform diagonal stapling operations on bundles of papers inserted from outside, as they primarily focus on horizontal and diagonal stapling of discharged papers, lacking flexibility to handle external paper bundles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A stapler device equipped with a moving unit that allows reciprocating and rotational movements, enabling the stapler to move intersectingly with the paper discharge direction, rotate outwardly, and perform diagonal stapling on both discharged and externally inserted paper bundles by utilizing a guide rod, base frame with a guide slot, and levers to position the stapler for efficient stapling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler is designed to perform only horizontal and diagonal stapling of discharged papers, then the stapling function for discharged papers is reliable, but the adaptability to handle externally inserted paper bundles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler is equipped with a moving unit that enables dynamic reciprocating and rotational movements. The reciprocating movement allows the stapler to move between a first position (for discharged paper stapling) and a second position (for external paper bundle stapling). The rotational movement allows the stapler to rotate between a first orientation (horizontal stapling) and a second orientation (diagonal stapling). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the stapler to adapt to different stapling requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stapler is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple stapling operations. It can staple both discharged paper bundles and externally inserted paper bundles, and it can perform both horizontal and diagonal stapling orientations. The moving unit enables this universality by allowing the stapler to reach different positions and orientations, effectively making one device serve multiple purposes and reducing the need for separate stapling devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler performs reciprocating and rotational movements to staple external paper bundles, then the versatility of stapling operations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving unit is segmented into distinct functional components: a guide rod for reciprocating movement, a rotational mechanism with levers for orientation change, and a stapling mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to manufacture and maintain. The guide rod handles the reciprocating motion while the lever system handles the rotational motion, dividing the complexity into manageable parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stapler is fixed in position and orientation, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to staple both discharged and external paper bundles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stapler transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic design with reciprocating and rotational capabilities. The reciprocating movement along the guide rod allows the stapler to access different paper bundle sources (discharged vs. external), while the rotational mechanism allows adaptation to different stapling orientations. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by enabling the stapler to handle multiple paper bundle types and orientations while keeping the movement mechanisms relatively simple and controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a stapler device installed to staple a bundle of papers processed and discharged from an image forming apparatus or a post-processing apparatus. The stapler device includes a stapler, and a moving unit installed to allow the stapler to reciprocate in a direction intersecting with a discharge direction of the bundle of papers. The moving unit may rotate the stapler outwardly such that a bundle of papers inserted from the outside in addition to the discharged bundle of papers is stapled in at least one end position of a range of the reciprocating movement.