Media Feeder Re-feed Prevention Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Larger media items can inadvertently re-feed into the input tray of a platen after scanning, causing jams and potential damage, which is undesirable and leads to user dissatisfaction and additional costs due to required technician intervention.
Innovation Solution
A re-feed prevention device is integrated into the media feeder, featuring a deflection mechanism with ramps and hooked ends to deflect and catch media as it exits the platen, preventing re-feeding by guiding it away from the input tray and accommodating curled edges, thus preventing contact between the exiting and remaining media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If media is fed through the platen for scanning, then scanning function is achieved, but media may inadvertently re-feed into the input tray causing jams and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A re-feed prevention device is introduced as an intermediary component between the platen output and input tray. This device includes a deflection rib that actively redirects exiting media away from the input tray path, and a distal depending end that catches curled media edges, preventing them from re-entering the scanning path and causing jams.
Solution Approach 2:
The re-feed prevention device applies preliminary anti-action by deflecting media away from the input tray before re-feeding can occur. The deflection rib creates an opposing force to the natural media path, and the distal depending end preemptively catches potentially problematic curled edges, preventing the harmful re-feeding effect before it can manifest.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger media items are scanned, then scanning capability is improved, but re-feeding risk increases due to curling edges
Solution Approach 1:
The re-feed prevention device applies local quality by providing specialized protection at the critical exit point where media leaves the platen. The deflection rib and distal depending end are positioned precisely where curled edges from larger media items are most likely to cause re-feeding, providing targeted protection rather than requiring modification of the entire feeding system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the re-feeding problem by introducing a vertical dimension with the distal depending end that hangs below the platen surface. This vertical element catches curled media edges that would otherwise follow the horizontal path back to the input tray, effectively using a different spatial dimension to prevent the harmful effect.
3Device complexity
If no re-feed prevention device is used, then device complexity is reduced, but jams and media damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The re-feed prevention device is designed as a simple, inexpensive component structure that can be easily manufactured and installed. The deflection rib and distal depending end use basic geometric shapes without complex mechanisms, representing a cost-effective solution that prevents costly jams and media damage with minimal investment in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Examples of an apparatus to use in a media feeder and a method to use in a media feeder are disclosed herein. An example of the apparatus includes a platen having an input to receive a medium and an output to eject the medium. The example of the apparatus additional includes a re-feed prevention device including a ramp to deflect the medium away from the input of the platen when the medium exits the output of the platen and a hooked end to catch an edge of the medium when curled as the medium exits the output of the platen.