Dynamic Roller Nip Adjustment for Curved Sheet Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying apparatuses with U-turn paths face issues with sheet jamming and conveyance resistance due to sheet stiffness and friction, leading to difficulties in smoothly conveying sheets along curved paths without causing damage or failure in conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A conveying apparatus with a curved conveyance path and a roller pair that rotates near the curved portion, where at least one roller moves after pinching the sheet, allowing for adjustment of the nip direction to align with the sheet conveying direction, reducing friction and conveyance resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If sheets are conveyed along a curved U-turn path, then the conveying direction can be inverted, but sheet jamming and conveyance resistance increase due to sheet stiffness and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pair is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the nip direction to be changed from a fixed orientation to a variable orientation that can adapt to different conveying conditions. This enables the roller pair to optimize its nip direction dynamically, reducing conveyance resistance and preventing sheet jamming while maintaining reliable sheet conveyance through the curved U-turn path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the nip direction parameter of the roller pair to align with the sheet conveying direction. By adjusting this parameter, the system optimizes the interaction between the rollers and sheets, reducing friction and conveyance resistance while maintaining effective sheet grip and transport through the curved path
2Reliability
If intermediate rollers are arranged within the U-turn path to guide sheets, then sheet conveyance along the curved path is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pair serves multiple functions: it provides the primary driving force for sheet conveyance and simultaneously guides sheets through the curved U-turn path by adjusting its nip direction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate intermediate guide rollers, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable sheet conveyance along the curved path
3Reliability
If the feeding roller has insufficient power to overcome conveyance resistance, then sheet jamming occurs in the U-turn path, but increasing feeding roller power increases energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the nip direction parameter of the roller pair to align with the sheet conveying direction, the system reduces conveyance resistance and friction. This allows the feeding roller to operate at lower power levels while still successfully conveying sheets through the U-turn path, reducing energy consumption while maintaining conveyance reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful effect of conveyance resistance into a beneficial alignment condition. By adjusting the roller pair's nip direction to match the sheet conveying direction, the system transforms the resistance issue into an opportunity to optimize the roller-sheet interaction, reducing the power needed while ensuring successful 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
This solution prevents failures in drawing sheets into rollers and reduces conveyance resistance, ensuring smooth sheet conveyance along curved paths without increasing manufacturing costs or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
resistance against the sheet conveyance is generated due to increase in friction between the sheets and the U-turn path
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying apparatus includes a sheet conveyance path including a curved portion, and a roller pair that is located along the conveyance path and conveys a sheet. At least one of rollers of the roller pair moves such that the orientation of conveying force exerted onto the sheet by the roller pair at its nip point is changed after the roller pair pinches the sheet.