Feeding Device Sheet Size Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional size detection mechanisms in image forming apparatuses face challenges in downsizing while accurately detecting various sheet sizes, due to large movement regions of the member-to-be-detected and limited degrees of freedom in detectable sheet sizes.
Innovation Solution
A feeding device with a movable regulating member and a member-to-be-detected, connected by a connecting member that urges them in a mutually attracting direction, allowing contact in one region and spacing in another, enabling accurate size detection with reduced size and increased freedom in detectable sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the member-to-be-detected and the regulating member are connected through a spring member and a link member with interrelation and non-interrelation regions, then the sheet size detection range is broadened, but external force acts on the member-to-be-detected causing detection deviation and requiring restrictive design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting member as an intermediary element between the regulating member and the member-to-be-detected. This connecting member transmits the position information of the regulating member to the member-to-be-detected without directly applying external force to it, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while enabling broad sheet size detection range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the force transmission function from the direct connection between the regulating member and the member-to-be-detected. By separating the position transmission function from the force transmission function, the member-to-be-detected is protected from external forces that would cause detection deviation.
2Reliability
If the link member is provided between the member-to-be-detected and the regulating member with engagement and release switching, then the operation region is ensured, but the degree of freedom of detectable sheet size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic connecting member that can change its connection state between the regulating member and the member-to-be-detected based on the sheet size. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain reliable operation for different sheet sizes without being constrained by a fixed engagement mechanism, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in detectable sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the connecting member based on the detected sheet size. By adjusting the connection characteristics (such as engagement state or transmission ratio) according to the sheet size parameters, the system achieves both reliable operation and adaptability to various sheet sizes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the member-to-be-detected and the regulating member are directly interrelated for all paper sizes, then the sheet size detection is comprehensive, but the movement region becomes large preventing device downsizing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection range into multiple regions, with different connection states between the regulating member and the member-to-be-detected corresponding to different sheet size ranges. This segmentation allows comprehensive detection capability while keeping the movement region of each segment compact, enabling device downsizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by having the connecting member engage only when necessary for specific sheet size ranges. For smaller sheet sizes, the connection is established to transmit position information; for larger sheet sizes, the connection may be released or adjusted. This partial engagement approach reduces the overall movement region required while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.
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 achieves downsizing of the size detection device while maintaining accurate detection of various sheet sizes, ensuring compatibility with broad paper size detection, high stability, and reduced size of the size detecting mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting member connected to the regulating member at one end and to the member-to-be-detected at the other end and which urges the member-to-be-detected and the regulating member in a mutually attracting direction
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding device includes an accommodating unit, a feeding member, a regulating member, a member-to-be-detected, a detecting device, and a connecting member. The regulating member contacts the member-to-be-detected in a first region with respect to a feeding direction and is spaced from the member-to-be-detected through the connecting member in a second region different from the first region with respect to the feeding direction.