Three Side Trimmer with Switchable Accumulating Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three side trimmers lack the ability to switch between sequential discharge and single-stack discharge methods, leading to inefficient manual handling and processing of trimmed booklets.

Innovation Solution

A three side trimmer with an accumulating unit that switches between delivery and accumulation modes, using a movable shelf and conveyor mechanism to discharge trimmed booklets in predetermined numbers or accumulate them for efficient stacking, facilitated by sensors for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If trimmed booklets are sequentially discharged by the discharge device, then the discharge operation is automated, but the flexibility to handle different packing requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge operation automationVSAvoidflexibility for different packing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the discharge method switchable between two modes: sequential discharge (automated one-by-one delivery) and batch discharge (accumulated stack delivery). The discharge device can dynamically change its operation mode based on packing requirements, combining automation with flexibility. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its discharge behavior while maintaining automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual gathering and dividing of trimmed booklets is performed, then flexibility for different packing numbers is achieved, but work efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for different packing numbersVSAvoidwork efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the discharge device to automatically perform the gathering and dividing functions that were previously done manually. The device can automatically accumulate a specified number of trimmed booklets and discharge them as a complete stack, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-sufficient in handling different packing requirements while maintaining high work efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single discharge method is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to handle various order requirements is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge device structureVSAvoidability to handle various order requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the universality principle by designing the discharge device to perform multiple functions: it can operate in sequential discharge mode for individual booklet delivery, and in batch discharge mode for accumulated stack delivery. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to handle various order requirements without requiring multiple separate devices, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3845349B1Three side trimmer
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 HORIZON INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3845349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3845349B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(C)
  • EP3845349B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A three side trimmer has a trimming unit 1, an accumulating unit 3, a discharge unit 2 and a conveying mechanism 4 conveying trimmed booklets BK to the accumulating unit. The accumulating unit has a shelf 5 movable in a vertical direction, and a drive roller conveyor 7 on the shelf. The accumulating unit, in a mode, delivers the trimmed booklets to the discharge unit at every accumulation of a predetermined number of the trimmed booklets and, in another mode, accumulates the trimmed booklets without delivering.