Stapling Unit Switchback Transport Path

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses with integrated paper post-processing capabilities are limited in functionality and space efficiency, as they often require external placement, leading to increased size and power consumption, and are restricted to single-function post-processing operations.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus is designed with a paper post-processing portion that includes multiple functions such as hole-punching and stapling, integrated within the apparatus' internal space, utilizing a configuration where the original reading, printing, and paper feed portions create a dedicated area for post-processing and discharge, allowing for compactness and enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the paper post-processing apparatus is disposed outside of the image forming apparatus, then the processing mechanism can be provided with sufficient space, but the occupied area of the entire apparatus increases and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing mechanism spaceVSAvoidoccupied area of entire apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The paper post-processing apparatus is nested within the image forming apparatus by utilizing the space formed by the original reading portion, printing portion, and paper feed portion. The post-processing apparatus is disposed inside this triangular space, effectively nesting one functional system within another without interfering with their respective operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the spatial arrangement by disposing the paper post-processing apparatus in the vertical dimension within the space formed by the original reading portion (upper), printing portion (middle), and paper feed portion (lower). This three-dimensional spatial utilization allows integration without increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the paper post-processing apparatus is disposed outside of the image forming apparatus, then the processing mechanism can be provided with sufficient space, but the power consumption of the entire apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing mechanism spaceVSAvoidpower consumption of entire apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The paper post-processing apparatus is merged with the image forming apparatus into a single integrated system. This combination allows both apparatuses to share the same power source and electrical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power supply and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining sufficient processing space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If the paper post-processing apparatus is configured compactly to be disposed inside the image forming apparatus, then the occupied area is reduced, but the functionality is limited to single-function post-processing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoccupied area of apparatusVSAvoidfunctionality of post-processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The paper post-processing apparatus is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both stapling and hole-punching capabilities within a single compact unit. The stapling unit can perform staple processing, while the punching unit can perform hole-punching processing, allowing the compact apparatus to provide diverse post-processing functions without requiring separate dedicated devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional processing mechanisms such as shifter processing or switchback transport path are provided in the compact paper post-processing apparatus, then functionality is enhanced, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality of post-processingVSAvoidsize of post-processing apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The paper post-processing apparatus employs dynamic, movable components such as the branching gate that can rotate between different positions to switch between main transport path and switchback transport path. This dynamic design allows enhanced functionality including duplex printing and shifter processing without requiring large fixed structures, maintaining compactness while providing versatile processing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS7949294B2Image forming apparatus with switchback transport path in the stapling unit

Publication Date: 2011.05.24 SHARP KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus in which an original reading portion is disposed in an upper portion of the apparatus main body, a feed portion is disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus main body, and a printing portion is disposed between the original reading portion and the feed portion as an image forming system, is configured as follows. A paper post-processing portion that can perform a plurality of types of paper post-processing for recording paper transported from the apparatus main body after printing by the printing portion is finished, and a discharge portion to which recording paper is discharged after paper post-processing by the paper post-processing portion is finished, are disposed in a space of the apparatus main body formed by the original reading portion, the printing portion, and the feed portion.