Guiding Device for Image Forming Apparatus Paper Jam Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, jammed sheets caught around the sheet conveying path cannot be removed even when the manual rotation knob is turned, leading to undetected paper jams and failure to notify users through light emitting diodes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a guiding device that includes a sheet detector and a guide, which detects the recording medium and suggests removal of the image forming device when the sheet detector no longer detects the medium or after a predetermined number of rotations of the rotary body, ensuring user attention is drawn to the jammed sheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual rotation knob is used to remove jammed sheets from the nip region, then sheets caught in the nip region can be removed, but sheets caught around the sheet conveying path cannot be removed and the system cannot notify users
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sheet detecting sensors to continuously monitor the sheet conveying path and provides feedback to the control unit. When a jammed sheet is detected, the control unit activates the guiding device to notify users, creating a closed-loop feedback system that ensures reliable detection regardless of sheet location
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guiding device comprising sheet detecting sensors and a control unit as an intermediary between the jammed sheet and the user notification system. This intermediary detects sheets caught around the conveying path and triggers appropriate notifications, bridging the gap between the mechanical removal system and user awareness
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If sheet detecting sensors are used to detect paper jam, then paper jam can be detected, but the system cannot detect sheets caught around the sheet conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet conveying path is divided into multiple detection zones with separate sheet detecting sensors positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to detect jammed sheets at various positions along the path, including areas around the conveying path that would otherwise be undetected
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection from the immediate nip region into the surrounding spatial dimension by placing sensors at multiple positions along the sheet conveying path. This multi-dimensional detection approach captures sheets caught in various locations, not just at the roller nip point
3Ease of manufacture
If the light emitting diode is used to notify users, then users can be notified when sheets are removed from nip region, but users cannot be notified when sheets are caught around the conveying path
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device operates autonomously by automatically detecting jammed sheets through the sheet detecting sensors and triggering the appropriate notification through the control unit. The system serves itself by eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex user judgment, reliably notifying users of paper jams regardless of sheet location
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (10) includes an apparatus body (11), an image forming device (20,30) detachably attached to the apparatus body (11), a sheet conveying path (U1-U5) through which a recording medium (P) travels, a roller (R1-R3) disposed along the sheet conveying path (U1-U5), a rotary body (21) to rotate the roller (R1-R3) manually, and a guiding device (600, 600A). The guiding device (600,600A) includes a sheet detector (S1-S5) to detect the recording medium (P) passing through the sheet conveying path (U1-U5) and a guide (LED1-LED9) to suggest removal of the image forming device (20,30) to remove the recording medium (P) in paper jam when the sheet detector (S1-S5) no longer detects the recording medium (P). The guide (LED1-LED9) also suggests removal of the image forming device (20,30) when the sheet detector (S1-S5) detects the recording medium (P) after a predetermined number of rotations of the rotary body (21).