Curved Path Guide Member for Compact Medium Conveyance Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium conveyance devices generate contact noise and user discomfort due to strong contact between the medium's rear end and the outer side of the curved reversing path, especially when the device is made more compact or the conveyance speed is increased.
Innovation Solution
A medium conveyance device with a curved path and flexible guide members that prevent the medium's rear end from strong contact with the outer path forming member, while a convex portion on the inner path forming member prevents excessive deformation of the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the curvature of the curved reversing path is increased to make the device more compact, then the device size is reduced, but contact noise increases and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the medium and the outer path forming member. The guide member contacts the medium first during the reversing operation, preventing direct strong contact between the medium and the outer path forming member, thereby reducing contact noise while maintaining the compact curved path configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is designed as a flexible component that can bend and deform to accommodate the curved path geometry. This flexibility allows the guide member to effectively guide the medium through the tight curve without causing excessive contact forces, enabling compact device design while controlling noise
2Productivity
If the conveyance speed is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but contact noise increases and user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member serves as a mediator that manages the interaction between the medium and the curved path structure during high-speed conveyance. By controlling the contact sequence and distribution, it reduces impact forces and noise generation even at increased conveyance speeds, enabling improved throughput without compromising user comfort
3Volume of moving object
If the curvature of the curved reversing path is increased, then the device becomes more compact, but the medium experiences strong contact with the outer path forming member
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is positioned to contact the medium before the medium reaches the outer path forming member in the curved reversing path. This intermediary contact distributes and reduces the force, preventing strong direct contact between the medium and the outer path forming member while maintaining the compact curved geometry
4Device complexity
If no guide member is provided, then the device structure is simpler, but the medium cannot be properly guided in the curved path
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed as a flexible component that can adapt to the curved path geometry and medium variations. This flexibility allows effective guidance through the curved path while maintaining relatively simple device structure, ensuring reliable and smooth conveyance
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
The solution effectively suppresses contact noise and ensures smooth conveyance of the medium by preventing strong contact and excessive deformation, thus enhancing user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
at least one guide member that guides the medium in the curved path and is flexible
Implementation Method 2
the inner path forming member has a convex portion that protrudes toward the guide member at a position facing the guide member
Implementation Method 3
a first roller pair that conveys the medium, a second roller pair that is provided downstream of the first roller pair in the conveyance direction and conveys the medium
Data Source
AI summary
A medium conveyance device includes a first roller pair and a second roller pair for conveying a medium, a curved path from the first roller pair to the second roller pair, an outer path forming member that forms an outer side of the curved path, an inner path forming member that forms an inner side of the curved path, and at least one flexible guide member that guides the medium in the curved path, one end of the guide member is a fixed end provided at the outer path forming member, the other end of the guide member is a free end located downstream of the fixed end in a conveyance direction, and the inner path forming member has a convex portion that protrudes toward the guide member at a position facing the guide member.