Open/Close Lever Mechanism for Check Feed Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media feeding devices for check processing systems face challenges in preventing checks from being inserted too deeply into the transportation path, leading to inconsistent feed rates and potential reading errors, while also increasing device size and cost due to the need for additional mechanisms to manage the check feed path.
Innovation Solution
A media feeding device with a pressure member and an open/close member that can move between a pressure position and a retracted position, using an urging member to control the open/close mechanism, which prevents checks from being passed to the transportation roller before it reaches a stable speed, reducing the need for additional space and parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanism for opening and closing the check feed path is provided, then checks can be prevented from entering deeply into the transportation path, but additional space must be provided and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The open/close member is integrated with the pressure member assembly, combining the functions of checking pressure application and feed path control into a single unified mechanism. The open/close member is positioned such that it is moved by the pressure member without requiring a separate drive source, thereby reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining reliable check feed path control.
2Reliability
If a mechanism for opening and closing the check feed path is provided, then checks can be prevented from entering deeply into the transportation path, but the parts count increases and device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure member serves dual functions: it applies pressure to the check during feeding and simultaneously moves the open/close member to control the feed path. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a separate drive source for the open/close mechanism, reducing the parts count and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining reliable feed path control.
3Productivity
If the check feed path is always open, then checks can be fed, but checks may be inserted deeply to the transportation path side causing inconsistent feed rates
Solution Approach 1:
The feed path control is made dynamic through the open/close member that can transition between open and closed positions based on the feeding operation state. During check insertion, the path remains open for efficient feeding, while during the actual feeding process, the open/close member closes to prevent deep insertion and ensure consistent feed rates, thereby adapting the path state to operational requirements.
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 solution effectively prevents checks from being inserted too deeply into the transportation path, ensuring consistent feed rates and reducing the risk of reading errors, while minimizing device size and cost by eliminating the need for a dedicated drive source for the open/close mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member that urges the open/close member to the closed position side or the open position side
Implementation Method 2
The pressure member moves the open/close member to the open position in resistance to the urging force of the urging member when moving from the retracted position to the pressure position
Data Source
AI summary
An open/close mechanism of a media feed path for feeding a sheet medium from a media insertion unit allowing for a reduced parts count and minimal installation space is disclosed. In an embodiment, an open/close lever and paper pressure member of a check feeding device pivot horizontally on first and second vertical support shafts. When the pressure member pivots and presses against the delivery roller, the back end of the lever is pushed by the pressure member, pivoting the lever thereby retracting the front end of the lever from the check feed path. Because the lever is urged in a pivot direction causing the front end to enter the check feed path, when the paper pressure member returns to the position not pressed against the delivery roller, the open/close lever pivots in this urging direction returning to the position where the front end closes the check feed path.