Card Separation Apparatus with Movable Tray and Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, card-sized sheets smaller than the minimum conveyable size cannot be processed directly, requiring manual separation after attachment to a larger sheet and subsequent ejection, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A card separation apparatus with a movable tray and a card separation unit that conveys the sheet through an opening, using a controller to move the tray downward at a predetermined timing to separate the card from the sheet, allowing the card to be automatically separated and collected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a card is attached to a sheet for processing, then the card can be processed by the image forming apparatus, but manual separation of the card from the sheet is required after processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic card separation without requiring manual intervention. The card separation unit automatically separates the card from the sheet using a separation member that pushes the card off the sheet during the conveying process, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for manual separation operations
Solution Approach 2:
The card separation unit is positioned and configured in advance to perform separation automatically during the sheet conveying process. The separation member is pre-positioned to engage with the card at the appropriate timing, ensuring automatic separation occurs as part of the normal processing flow without requiring additional manual steps
2Extent of automation
If automatic card separation is implemented, then manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card separation function is merged with the existing sheet conveying mechanism. The card separation unit is integrated into the conveying path, and the separation member utilizes the existing conveying force and timing, combining multiple functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity despite adding automation
Solution Approach 2:
The card separation function is extracted as a distinct but simple module within the larger system. The separation member is a dedicated component that performs only the separation function, isolating this specific task from the main conveying mechanism and making the added complexity localized and manageable
3Productivity
If the movable tray is moved downward to separate the card, then the card is completely separated from the sheet, but the sheet may be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The downward movement of the movable tray is applied locally and temporarily only during the card separation phase. The separation member pushes the card off the sheet at a specific location and timing, and the tray returns to its original position afterward, ensuring complete card separation while minimizing any potential sheet deformation to local and temporary effects
Data Source
AI summary
A card separation apparatus includes a movable tray having a surface onto which a sheet is conveyed after a card has been separated from the sheet, and a card separation unit mounted on the surface for movement with the movable tray, the card separation unit having an opening through which the sheet is conveyed, and a controller configured to send an instruction to the movable tray to be moved at a predetermined timing after a leading edge of the sheet to which the card is attached enters the opening, so as to cause the sheet to be initially separated from the card.