Kicker Mechanism for Complete Media Sheet Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media-sheet stacking systems in printers face issues such as incomplete ejection of trailing edges, buckling of thin materials, curling of media sheets, and limited capacity due to restrictive output trays, especially when handling a variety of materials and curled sheets without a comprehensive solution.
Innovation Solution
A media-sheet stacking system incorporating a kicker mechanism, a dynamic roof mechanism with a movable belt, and guide ribs to control the height and movement of media sheets, along with suspended weights to prevent curling, addresses these issues by ensuring reliable ejection, reducing buckling, and increasing stack capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an output roller pushes printed media sheets towards the output tray, then the media sheets are transported to the output tray, but the trailing edge of the media sheet may not be properly ejected and may block the exit path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trailing edge ejection function from the output roller by introducing a separate kicker mechanism. The kicker is a distinct component that specifically targets and pushes the trailing edge of the media sheet after the output roller has done its work, separating the two functions to ensure complete ejection without blocking the exit path
Solution Approach 2:
The kicker acts as an intermediary element between the output roller and the media sheet trailing edge. It provides the additional pushing force needed to completely eject the trailing edge, mediating the transition from partial ejection by the roller to complete ejection, thereby preventing blockage of the exit path
2Productivity
If thin media sheets are pushed by the output roller, then they are transported to the output tray, but they may buckle during ejection
Solution Approach 1:
The kicker is positioned to engage the trailing edge of the media sheet at a specific location where it can provide support during the ejection process. This preliminary positioning ensures that thin media sheets receive structural support before and during the pushing action, preventing buckling while maintaining transport efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The kicker serves as an intermediary support structure between the output roller and the thin media sheet. It provides localized support to the trailing edge, preventing the sheet from buckling under the pressure of ejection, while still allowing the media sheet to be transported to the output tray
3Volume of moving object
If the output tray is made shorter to accommodate various media lengths, then device size is reduced, but media sheets may roll up at the exit of the output tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the media sheet stabilization function from the output tray structure by introducing suspended weights as a separate component. The weights hang below the output tray and provide counterbalancing force to prevent media sheets from rolling up, allowing the tray to be shortened without compromising media sheet stability
Solution Approach 2:
The suspended weights act as counterweights to the media sheets on the output tray. By hanging below the tray, they provide a stabilizing force that prevents media sheets from rolling up at the exit, enabling the tray to be made shorter while maintaining media sheet stability throughout the stacking process
4Reliability
If a kicker mechanism is added to eject the trailing edge, then trailing edge ejection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The kicker mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it ejects the trailing edge of media sheets, prevents blocking of the exit path, and provides support to thin media sheets during ejection. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent improves trailing edge ejection reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The kicker is designed as a flexible, thin component that can adapt to different media sheet thicknesses and lengths. This flexibility allows it to effectively eject trailing edges across various media types without requiring a complex, heavily engineered structure, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 system effectively stacks a wide range of media types, including curled sheets, without the need for uncurling processes, enabling robust and versatile printer capabilities, improved print quality, and reduced time between print commands.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism, such as springs or elastic belts, that biases the movable belt towards the output tray
Implementation Method 2
suspended weights to prevent curling
Data Source
AI summary
A media-sheet stacking system for stacking media sheets on a device output tray comprises a kicker to advance a media sheet along the output tray by pushing a trailing edge of the media sheet as it exits the device, and a movable element arranged to face the output tray across a space that receives media sheets exiting the device. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the movable element in the direction of advance of the media sheet along the output tray.