Inclined Suction Surface for Z-Folded Document Feeder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Document feeders that unfold and convey Z-folded documents often deform and buckle the documents, failing to handle them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A document feeder with a placement surface, a suction surface, a blower, and a paper feeder, where the suction surface is inclined relative to the placement surface, creating a narrower space upstream in the conveyance direction, allowing air to be blown between the document folds to prevent deformation and buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional document feeder unfolds and conveys Z-folded documents, then the documents are conveyed through the system, but the documents are significantly deformed and buckled during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a blower to generate airflow that passes through the folded document, utilizing pneumatic forces to unfold the document gradually along its creases. This pneumatic approach replaces traditional mechanical unfolding mechanisms that cause deformation, allowing the document to be conveyed while maintaining its shape integrity through controlled air pressure and flow patterns.
2Device complexity
If the suction surface is flat and parallel to the placement surface, then the structure is simple, but air cannot be effectively blown between document folds to prevent deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction surface is designed with an asymmetric inclination relative to the placement surface, creating a non-parallel configuration. This asymmetric angle allows airflow from the blower to penetrate effectively between the folded document layers, enabling proper unfolding while preventing deformation. The specific angular relationship between surfaces optimizes air flow distribution across the document folds.
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 effectively unfolds and conveys Z-folded documents without significant deformation, preventing buckling and ensuring smooth handling of various folded document types.
Implementation Method 1
a blower that blows air into the space
Implementation Method 2
a sucker that has a suction surface on which a part of a document placed on the placement surface is sucked and sucks air from a space formed between the document placement member and the suction surface
Data Source
AI summary
A document feeder includes a document placement member that has a placement surface, a sucker that has a suction surface on which a part of a document placed on the placement surface is sucked and sucks air from a space formed between the document placement member and the suction surface, a blower that blows air into the space, and a paper feeder that conveys the document in a conveyance direction along the placement surface, wherein the suction surface is inclined relative to the placement surface such that the space is narrower toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction.