Image-Forming Device Feeding Unit Paper Jam Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tandem-type image-forming devices face challenges in resolving paper jams without increasing the device's size and in preventing interference between movable feeding unit components and the process unit during removal, while also addressing the issue of paper dust deposition affecting image quality.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a main casing with a removable process unit, a conveying belt, a feeding unit with movable parts, and a deposition removal system integrated with the cover, allowing for easy paper jam resolution and effective dust removal without increasing the device's size, by positioning the cover's upper edge lower than the feeding unit's upper end and using a registration roller and sponge member to collect dust.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the process unit is made removable from the main casing, then ease of operation for resolving paper jams is improved, but clearance space is required which increases the overall size of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding unit is divided into a fixed part and a movable part that can be displaced relative to each other. The movable part includes the guide part and conveying roller that can be moved to open the paper-conveying path, allowing paper jam resolution without removing the entire process unit, thus avoiding the need for additional clearance space.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide part and conveying roller are designed as movable components that can be dynamically adjusted. The guide part can be displaced to change the position of the paper-conveying path, and the conveying roller can be moved to open the path for paper jam resolution, providing dynamic adaptability without increasing overall device size.
2Ease of operation
If the movable portion of the feeding unit is provided to facilitate paper jam resolution, then ease of operation is improved, but conflict with the process unit may occur during removal requiring additional clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding unit is segmented into fixed and movable portions. The movable portion includes the guide part and conveying roller that can be independently displaced. This segmentation allows the movable parts to be positioned to avoid conflict with the process unit during removal, eliminating the need for additional clearance space while maintaining ease of operation.
3Productivity
If the separating pad is used to separate paper sheets, then paper separation is achieved, but paper dust and deposits are generated that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of the separating pad that generates paper dust is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using a separating pad, the patent employs a different paper separation mechanism that does not involve friction-based contact, thereby eliminating the source of paper dust generation while maintaining effective paper separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful friction-based separation mechanism into a beneficial non-contact or minimal-contact separation approach. By eliminating the separating pad, the system avoids generating paper dust while still achieving effective paper sheet separation through alternative means.
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
Facilitates paper jam resolution and maintains device compactness by allowing the process unit to be removed without interference, while effectively removing paper dust and toner deposits, enhancing image quality and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically charged deposition-removing roller on the paper-conveying path. The deposition-removing roller rotates and attracts matter deposited on the paper
Implementation Method 2
a scraping member formed of sponge or the like and disposed in contact with the deposition-removing roller scrapes the deposited matter off the deposition-removing roller
Data Source
AI summary
A feeding unit is disposed near the lower edge of an access opening formed in a front cover of a main casing. The feeding unit includes a pair of registration rollers and a pair of guide parts. One of the registration rollers and one of the guide parts are retained on the front cover. Thus, when the front cover is pulled to an open position, the registration roller and the guide part retained on the front cover displace together with the front cover, exposing a paper conveying path.