Interlocking Sheet-Stopper for Multi-Feed Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sheet input modules in image forming apparatuses experience multi-feed issues due to different contact angles with the friction pad when the sheet support plate is in horizontal or inclined states, leading to inefficient sheet separation.
Innovation Solution
A sheet input module with an interlocking sheet-stopper structure that adjusts the entry angle of the sheet-stopper structure relative to the support plate, allowing adaptive adjustments for high and low sheet counts to prevent multi-feed by optimizing the sheet-stopper's position and angle for effective sheet separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet support plate is used in an inclined state (low sheet count), then the sheets have different contact angles with the friction pad, but this causes multi-feed problems due to poor sheet separation
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-stopper structure is designed to dynamically adjust its position and angle relative to the support plate based on the sheet count. When the support plate transitions from horizontal to inclined state, the sheet-stopper automatically changes its orientation to maintain optimal sheet separation, converting a static structure into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the sheet-stopper structure (position and angle) in response to changes in sheet count. By adjusting these parameters adaptively, the system maintains reliable sheet separation across different operating conditions, transforming a fixed-parameter system into one with variable parameters that optimize performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sheet-stopper structure is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different sheet counts and causes multi-feed issues
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet-stopper structure performs self-adjustment through its interlocking mechanism with the support plate. As the support plate changes angle, the sheet-stopper automatically repositions itself without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex actuation mechanisms, achieving adaptability through passive self-service
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sheet-stopper structure with the support plate through an interlocking mechanism, combining two previously separate functions into an integrated system. This merging allows the sheet-stopper to inherit the motion characteristics of the support plate while maintaining its own stopping function, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet input module includes: a tray; a support plate pivotally disposed on the tray to form a first included angle with the tray, wherein the support plate supports multiple sheets; and a sheet-stopper structure being pivotally disposed on the tray and providing a stopping function for the sheets. In an interlocking mode, the sheet-stopper structure is driven by the support plate according to a change of the first included angle and rotated relatively to the tray to adjust a second included angle between a stopping surface of the sheet-stopper structure and the sheets. A printing device using the sheet input module is also provided.