Automatic Document Feeder Sheet Interval Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic document feeders often experience malfunctions and paper jams due to inconsistent intervals between sheets, which affect the reliability of office machines like photocopy and multi-function devices.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling sheet intervals in an automatic document feeder by measuring the time interval between sheets using sensors and pausing the arranging roller if the interval is too short, ensuring consistent sheet spacing through timed delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the arranging sensor is used to control sheet feeding, then the document transfer is automated, but the intervals between sheets become inconsistent causing malfunctions and paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by measuring the actual time interval between consecutive sheets using a sensor, comparing it with a reference time, and adjusting the paper feeding roller operation accordingly. When the measured interval is shorter than the reference time, the system extends the interval by controlling the paper feeding roller to rotate for an extended period, thereby maintaining consistent sheet intervals and preventing sensor malfunctions and paper jams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the rotation parameters of the paper feeding roller based on real-time measurements. The system adjusts the rotation time and speed of the paper feeding roller according to the measured interval between sheets, transforming a fixed-parameter system into a variable-parameter system that adapts to actual sheet feeding conditions to maintain reliable operation.
2Productivity
If sheets are fed continuously without interval control, then the feeding speed is increased, but the intervals between sheets vary causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control to monitor the actual time interval between consecutive sheets and adjusts the paper feeding roller operation accordingly. By measuring the interval and comparing it with the reference time, the system maintains consistent sheet spacing even at high feeding speeds, preventing malfunctions while preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static paper feeding process into a dynamic controlled process. The paper feeding roller operates with variable parameters - rotating for extended periods when intervals are short and normal periods when intervals are adequate. This dynamic adjustment maintains precision at high speeds without sacrificing productivity.
3Productivity
If the paper feeding roller rotates continuously, then the document feeding is efficient, but sheets may be fed together by error reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the paper feeding roller to rotate in discrete time periods rather than continuously. The roller rotates for a first time period to feed a sheet, then for an extended time period to maintain proper intervals between sheets. This periodic operation with varied durations ensures sheet separation accuracy while maintaining feeding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the time interval between sheets before adjusting the feeding operation. By measuring the actual interval first and then deciding whether to extend the rotation period, the system prevents erroneous sheet feeding while maintaining efficient operation during normal conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for an automatic document feeder which can control the feeding of a following sheet such that the following sheet can be delayed for a predetermined time when the interval between sheets is shortened, thereby maintaining a constant interval between the sheets. The method and apparatus comprises a paper feeding roller, an arranging roller for arranging a front end of a document being fed by the paper feeding roller and for transferring the document, and an arranging sensor disposed at a front portion of the arranging roller to detect whether the document is being transferred. The arranging sensor detects a rear end of a previous sheet and a front end of a next sheet, and an operation of the arranging roller is controlled using a time interval between the previous sheet and the next sheet.