Converged Sheet Feed Path Guide for Image Formation Device Jam Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formation devices with independent sheet feed paths complicate sheet jam removal, requiring users to visually identify and access both paths, reducing workability and increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
An image formation device with a reversibly rotatable roller and a displaceable guide portion that converges sheet feed paths, allowing easy exposure of the converged feed path outside for jam removal, improving operability and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two independent sheet feed paths are provided from the fixing unit to the discharge exit, then duplex printing capability is achieved, but the structure for allowing both paths to be exposed to outside becomes complicated and workability in removing jammed sheets is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second sheet feed paths into a converged feed path at least in part from the discharge exit backward. This allows both paths to share a common structure, reducing the overall complexity of the device while maintaining duplex printing capability. The guide portion is configured to guide sheets from both paths through this converged section, eliminating the need for separate exposure mechanisms for each path.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion serves multiple functions: it guides sheets from both the first and second feed paths, forms part of the converged feed path structure, and can be displaced to expose the converged feed path for jam removal. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional components specifically for path exposure, thereby reducing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two independent sheet feed paths are provided from the fixing unit to the discharge exit, then duplex printing capability is achieved, but workability in removing jammed sheets is considerably lowered
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two independent feed paths into a converged feed path, the patent creates a single accessible location for jam removal. Users only need to access one converged path rather than investigating both independent paths, significantly improving workability when removing jammed sheets while preserving duplex printing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary structure that consolidates the two feed paths into a single accessible converged path. This intermediary element allows sheets from both paths to travel through a common section, making it easier for users to locate and remove jammed sheets without needing to access both separate paths.
3Volume of moving object
If the two sheet feed paths are arranged in a two-tiered state, then space utilization is improved, but the structure for exposing both paths becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two tiered feed paths into a converged feed path that can be easily accessed and exposed. By having the paths converge, the structure requires only one exposure mechanism rather than separate mechanisms for each tiered path, reducing structural complexity while maintaining efficient space utilization through the tiered arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation device is provided with a discharge tray configured to receive the sheet discharged from a discharge exit, a guide portion configuring at least a part of a first feed path and a second feed path extending from a fixing unit to the discharge exit, a reversibly rotatable roller configured to reverse a feeding direction of the sheet fed from the fixing unit to the discharge exit so that the sheet is reversely fed toward an entrance of the of the developing unit. In this configuration, the first path and the second path are converged to form a converged feed path on the discharge exit side, the reversibly rotatable roller is provided in the converged feed path, and a converged feed path guide portion, which is a part of the guide portion, is displaceable to a position to expose the converged feed path to outside.