Storage Cassette Cam Switching for Low-Resistance Sheet Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance resistance occurs when a separation roller of a sheet feed cassette is in contact with a sheet feed roller during sheet conveyance in existing printing apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a storage cassette that includes a sheet separation unit capable of switching between contact and separation positions with a feed roller, utilizing a follower driven by a cam mechanism to reduce conveyance resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sheet separation unit is in contact with the feed roller, then sheet separation is achieved, but conveyance resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet separation unit is configured to dynamically change its position relative to the feed roller. During sheet conveyance, the separation unit moves to a first position where it contacts the feed roller to separate sheets. After conveyance, it moves to a second position where it separates from the feed roller to reduce conveyance resistance. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing contact for separation and needing separation to reduce resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet separation unit operates periodically: contacting the feed roller during the conveyance phase to enable sheet separation, then separating during the return phase to reduce resistance. This periodic contact-separation cycle allows the system to achieve reliable sheet separation while minimizing conveyance resistance during the non-working phase.
2Reliability
If the sheet separation unit remains in contact with the feed roller, then continuous sheet separation is maintained, but conveyance efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet separation unit dynamically adjusts its position based on the conveyance cycle. It contacts the feed roller only when needed for sheet separation during conveyance, then moves away to reduce resistance during the return stroke. This dynamic behavior maintains reliable separation while improving overall conveyance efficiency by eliminating continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet separation unit is extracted from continuous contact with the feed roller and positioned to contact only during the necessary conveyance phase. This extraction of the separation function to specific time intervals rather than continuous operation maintains separation reliability while improving conveyance efficiency by reducing parasitic resistance during non-working periods.
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
Reduces conveyance resistance by allowing the sheet separation unit to adjust its position relative to the feed roller, enhancing the efficiency of sheet conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
a cam that rotates in synchronization with the feed roller; a follower driven by the cam when the cam rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus including: a feed roller, disposed in a housing, that feeds a sheet; a cam that rotates in synchronization with the feed roller; a storage cassette capable of being attached to and removed from the housing, the storage cassette storing the sheet, wherein the storage cassette includes: a sheet separation unit capable of contacting the feed roller in a state where the storage cassette is attached to the housing; a follower driven by the cam when the cam rotates; and a switching mechanism configured to switch a position of the sheet separation unit between a contact position, in which the sheet separation unit is in contact with the feed roller, and a separated position, in which the sheet separation unit is separated from the feed roller, in conjunction with movement of the follower.