Moving-Member Sheet Discharge Control for Overflow Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet discharging apparatuses fail to accurately determine the maximum stackable sheet amount, leading to potential overflow or jamming, especially with varying sheet sizes and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sheet discharging apparatus with a moving member that adjusts its position based on stacked sheet height, using a detection mechanism to switch between discharge modes, allowing for continued discharge within defined limits based on sheet type, size, and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical sensor detects the moving member at the second position, then the control portion stops the printing operation, but this causes premature stopping even when more sheets can be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between first mode (restrictive) and second mode (permissive) based on sheet characteristics and environmental conditions. The moving member's position threshold for stopping discharge is made variable rather than fixed, allowing adaptation to different sheet types and conditions to maximize stacking capacity while preventing overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from a fixed position threshold to a variable threshold based on sheet type, size, and environmental factors. The control portion adjusts the effective second position threshold dynamically, allowing the system to accommodate more sheets under favorable conditions while maintaining safety margins when conditions are less favorable.
2Device complexity
If the control portion uses a fixed threshold T for stopping discharge, then the control is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying sheet types and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adjusts discharge control parameters based on detected sheet characteristics and environmental conditions without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adapts by selecting appropriate modes and thresholds based on real-time inputs from sensors detecting sheet type, size, temperature, and humidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control threshold is transformed from a static fixed value to a dynamic value that changes based on operating conditions. The system continuously monitors sheet characteristics and environmental factors, adjusting the effective threshold T accordingly to optimize both adaptability and control accuracy.
3Device complexity
If the moving member position is used as the sole criterion for stopping discharge, then the detection is simple, but it does not account for sheet characteristics that affect stackability
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it detects both the moving member position and sheet characteristics (type, size, thickness). These multiple detection capabilities work together to provide a comprehensive assessment of stacking capacity, with the position detection serving as one factor among several in the overall determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback from multiple sources including moving member position, sheet type detection, and environmental sensors. This multi-source feedback loop allows the system to continuously refine its determination of maximum stackable amount, adjusting discharge control based on the combined information rather than relying on position alone.
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
Enhances the capacity to stack sheets without overflow or jamming by dynamically adjusting discharge control, accommodating various sheet types and environmental factors, thereby improving operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
includes an optical sensor, an arm-like rotor that extends from a rotary shaft into a sheet discharging space, and an arm-like sensor that extends upward from the rotary shaft. If the rotor is pushed up by sheets stacked on the outer tray, the sensor pivots on the rotary shaft. In addition, if the height of sheets stacked on a horizontal supporting surface of the outer tray becomes larger than a predetermined height, the sensor retracts from the optical path of the optical sensor, so that the level of the signal from the optical sensor changes from a LOW level to a HIGH level.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharging apparatus includes a discharging portion, a stacking portion, a moving member configured to move to a first position, a second position, and a third position, a detection portion, and a control portion. In a case where the detection portion detects that the moving member has reached the second position, the control portion controls the discharging portion in a first mode or a second mode. In the second mode, the control portion restricts the discharge of a sheet after a predetermined number of sheets has been discharged to the stacking portion. The control portion is configured to determine the predetermined number of sheets, depending on a type of the sheet discharged by the discharging portion, a length of the sheet in a sheet conveyance direction, and temperature and/or humidity.