Feeder Staple Detection and Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeders for image forming apparatuses face inefficiencies in handling mixed bundles of stapled and unstapled papers, leading to incorrect paper extraction and time loss due to jamming, as they require two-step detection and removal processes.
Innovation Solution
A feeder system with a first detector for depth-based staple detection and a second detector for surface-based staple identification, along with a controller that switches between high-speed and detection modes, ensures accurate staple removal and efficient paper extraction by controlling the take-out module to handle stapled and unstapled papers separately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a two-step detection and removal process is used for stapled papers, then staple removal accuracy is improved, but paper handling speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into two distinct detectors: a first detector that scans the entire paper surface for staples, and a second detector that verifies staple positions near the paper end. This segmentation allows comprehensive detection while maintaining speed by dividing the detection workload across multiple specialized components operating in parallel stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The first detector performs preliminary staple detection across the entire paper surface before the paper reaches the second detector. This preliminary action identifies potential staple locations in advance, allowing the system to prepare for targeted removal operations and avoid unnecessary delays during the main paper handling process.
2Reliability
If staple detection is performed thoroughly, then incorrect paper extraction is reduced, but time loss due to detection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second detector focuses detection resources locally on the specific region near the paper end where staples are most likely to cause extraction errors. Instead of uniformly scanning the entire paper, the system concentrates detection effort on the critical local area, achieving high reliability for extraction operations while minimizing overall detection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces comprehensive mechanical scanning with a targeted detection approach using optical or electromagnetic sensors that can quickly identify staple locations without physical contact. This substitution allows thorough detection to be performed rapidly, reducing time loss while maintaining high accuracy in identifying staples that could cause extraction errors.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, there is provided a feeder that includes: a feed table on which a plurality of papers are staked in one direction, wherein some of the papers are bundled by a staple; a take-out module configured to sequentially take out the stacked papers from an outermost surface of the papers; a first detector configured to detect whether or not the staple exists in the papers within a distance h measured from the outermost surface; a controller configured to control the take-out module in a first mode or a second mode. When the staple is detected in the papers within the distance h, the controller controls the take-out module in the first mode. When the staple is not detected in the papers within the distance h, the controller controls the take-out module in the second mode.