Curved Sheet Conveyance Path with Driven Rotary Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance resistance increases when conveying stiff thick sheets through curved conveyance paths in existing image forming apparatuses, leading to potential sheet deformation and damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating driven rotary members with smaller outer diameters within the curved conveyance path, which are driven by the sheet passing through, to reduce friction and deformation, and using movable members to guide sheets smoothly through the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a curved conveyance path is used to feed sheets upward, then sheets can be conveyed from the sheet feed cassette to the upper conveyance path, but conveyance resistance increases when stiff thick sheets pass through the curved path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the conveyance path in an upward curve shape to accommodate the sheet feed mechanism. However, to reduce conveyance resistance for stiff thick sheets, the patent introduces a curved guide member that provides smooth guidance through the curved path, reducing friction and deformation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a curved guide member as an intermediary element between the sheet and the curved conveyance path. This guide member facilitates smooth sheet passage through the curved path by providing continuous support and reducing point-contact friction, thereby lowering conveyance resistance for stiff thick sheets.
2Ease of operation
If the conveyance path is curved upward, then sheets can be fed to the upper conveyance path, but sheet deformation and damage occur due to increased conveyance resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The curved guide member acts as an intermediary that protects sheets during conveyance through the curved path. It provides continuous support along the curved trajectory, preventing sheet deformation and damage by distributing contact forces evenly rather than creating concentrated stress points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the guide member, specifically designing it with a curved shape that matches the conveyance path curvature. This parameter optimization ensures smooth sheet flow and minimizes deformation while maintaining effective sheet feeding to the upper conveyance path.
3Force
If driven rotary members with smaller outer diameters are used in the curved conveyance path, then conveyance resistance is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the guide function and the drive function into a single integrated curved guide member structure. By combining these functions, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby lowering structural complexity while still achieving reduced conveyance resistance through the curved geometry and appropriate diameter design.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved guide member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the curved conveyance path, guides sheets through the curvature, and acts as a driven rotary member that propels sheets forward. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining effective sheet conveyance with reduced resistance.
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 reduces conveyance resistance and minimizes sheet deformation, preventing damage and allowing for downsizing and cost reduction in the printer design.
Implementation Method 1
a driven rotary member disposed inside of the curved conveyance path in a curved direction thereof and driven to rotate by the sheet passing though the curved conveyance path
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet supporting portion configured to support a sheet, a feed rotary member configured to feed the sheet supported by the sheet supporting portion, a curved conveyance path through which the sheet fed by the feed rotary member passes and which is curved upward, an upper conveyance path disposed above the sheet supporting portion so as to pass through a sheet and configured to join with the curved conveyance path, and a driven rotary member disposed inside of the curved conveyance path in a curved direction thereof and driven to rotate by the sheet passing though the curved conveyance path.