Offset Axis Sheet Feeding Unit Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet feeding apparatuses face complications during the replacement of the feeding unit due to complex handling procedures, which can lead to degraded feeding performance if the rubber conveyance rotating body deteriorates from friction.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus design featuring a detachable feeding unit with a support member that allows for easy attachment and detachment by engaging a drive transmission member, utilizing a second rotational axis positioned differently from the first, enabling linear operation and intuitive positioning for improved usability and workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the feeding unit is made detachable for replacement, then the feeding performance can be restored when rubber deteriorates, but the handling complexity increases during attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feeding apparatus is divided into a detachable feeding unit and a fixed main body. The feeding unit, which contains the rubber conveyance rotating body, can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the entire apparatus, allowing restoration of feeding performance while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A drive transmission member with offset rotational axes is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the power source and the conveyance rotating body. This intermediary enables linear attachment/detachment motion while providing rotational drive, simplifying the handling process by converting complex rotational coupling into simple linear engagement
2Ease of operation
If the drive transmission member uses offset rotational axes, then the attachment process becomes simpler with linear operation, but the mechanical design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive transmission member employs offset rotational axes that convert rotational motion into linear attachment/detachment motion. This dynamic mechanism allows the feeding unit to be attached and detached along a linear path while the offset axes provide the necessary rotational drive, simplifying user operation despite increased internal mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The offset rotational axes create a dimensional transformation where rotational movement in one plane is converted to linear movement in another dimension. This allows the attachment operation to proceed in a simple linear direction while the internal mechanics handle the rotational complexity, separating user interaction from mechanical 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
This design simplifies the attachment and detachment process of the feeding unit, enhancing the workability and feeding performance by ensuring proper positioning and reducing frictional resistance, thus maintaining efficient sheet conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyance rotating body having a friction portion made of, for example, rubber. When a sheet is conveyed, the conveyance rotating body comes in contact with the sheet and rotates to convey the sheet to the image forming unit.
Implementation Method 2
a drive transmission member configured to rotate about a first rotational axis, wherein the feeding unit includes a driven transmission member configured to engage with the drive transmission member
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance rotating body is rotatably supported by a support member. A second rotational axis at a rotation center of a driven transmission member is disposed at a position different from a position of a first rotational axis. When a feeding unit is attached to a sheet feeding apparatus, a drive transmission member and the driven transmission member engage with each other. When a driving force is transmitted from the drive transmission member to the driven transmission member, the feeding unit receives a force in an attachment direction of the feeding unit and is positioned with respect to the sheet feeding apparatus.