Medium Transport Device Shaft Configuration for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing medium transport devices in recording apparatuses face increased costs due to the need for dedicated parts when varying the number of motors in the transmission mechanism, which hinders cost reduction across different models.
Innovation Solution
A medium transport device configuration that includes a first roller, a second roller, a third roller, and a driving gear system with a first and second shaft positioned on a circular arc around the second roller's rotation center, allowing for flexible driving force transmission using either shaft without increasing costs, and integrating at least one shaft with the frame to reduce parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of motors is changed between models, then model specifications can be varied, but the number of dedicated parts increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is designed so that the same mechanism can be used whether one motor or two motors are employed. The first motor can drive both the first roller and the third roller through the transmission mechanism, or the second motor can drive the third roller directly, allowing the same transmission mechanism to serve multiple configuration scenarios without requiring dedicated parts for each model type
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic configuration where the transmission mechanism can operate in different modes depending on the motor setup. The first motor may directly drive the first roller or drive it through the transmission mechanism, and the third roller may be driven by either the first motor via transmission or by a second motor, enabling flexible adaptation to different model specifications
2Ease of manufacture
If common parts are used across different models, then costs are reduced, but the transmission mechanism becomes more difficult to design for varying motor configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is designed with universal applicability, where the same transmission mechanism can accommodate different motor configurations (one motor or two motors) and different driving arrangements (direct drive or transmission drive), eliminating the need for model-specific dedicated parts while maintaining design consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into independent functional components that can be selectively engaged or disengaged based on the motor configuration, allowing the same overall mechanism to serve multiple purposes without requiring complete redesign for different models
Data Source
AI summary
A medium transport device includes a first roller that applies a transporting force to a medium, a second roller that applies a transporting force to the medium transported from the first roller, a third roller that applies a transporting force to the medium transported from the second roller, a first rotor that transmits rotational torque to the third roller, a first shaft that is provided away from the first rotor at a first interval, and a second shaft that is provided away from the first rotor at the first interval and at a position different from a position of the first shaft. A shaft center of the first shaft and a shaft center of the second shaft are positioned on a circular arc, the center of which is a rotation center of the second roller.