Integrated Paper Feeder and Stopper Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional feeding apparatuses with paper feeding rollers and stoppers have complex configurations due to separate attachments and require engagement mechanisms for movement, making it difficult to simplify the process of regulating the stopper's movement with the paper feeding roller.

Innovation Solution

A feeding apparatus with a mounting portion for a medium, a paper feeder having a rotatably provided paper feeding roller and a pivotably provided stopper, and a supporting part that swings the paper feeder between feeding and regulating positions, allowing the stopper to be integrated with the paper feeding roller for simpler movement and regulation, eliminating the need for complex engagement mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the paper feeding roller and stopper are separately attached to the housing via different shaft parts with engagement mechanisms, then the stopper can be regulated to prevent paper feeding, but the configuration becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopper regulationVSAvoidconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the paper feeding roller and stopper into a single integrated paper feeder unit that pivots together as one assembly. The supporting part supports both components to move integrally between feeding and non-feeding positions, eliminating the need for separate attachments and engagement mechanisms while maintaining the stopper's regulatory function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the stopper is engaged to the regulating part during paper feeding roller movement, then the stopper can be prevented from moving, but the engagement mechanism adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestopper positionVSAvoidengagement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the stopper's position is controlled by the pivotal movement of the integrated paper feeder. The supporting part enables the stopper to naturally transition between engaged and disengaged states with the regulating part based on the feeding roller's position, eliminating the need for a separate engagement mechanism while maintaining stable positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3301046B1Feeding apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 FUNAI ELECTRIC CO LTD
  • EP3301046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301046B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3301046B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A feeding apparatus includes a mounting portion (13) that holds a medium (P); a feeding roller (2) that feeds the medium (P) toward a feeding direction; a stopper (3) configured to prevent the medium (P) from moving toward the feeding direction; a supporting part (4) that swings the feeding roller (2) between: a first position in which the feeding roller (2) feeds the medium (P) while both the feeding roller (2) and the stopper (3) contact the medium (P), and a second position in which the feeding roller (2) does not contact the medium (P) while the stopper (3) contacts the medium (P) to prevent the medium (P) from moving toward the feeding direction; and a regulating part (5) disposed on a downstream side in feeding direction with respect to a supporting point of the supporting part (4). The regulating part (5) regulates movement of the stopper (3) by contacting a portion of the stopper (3) that does not contact the medium (P) in the first position.