Paper Feeder Segmentation for Straight Sheet Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper feeders for high-speed image forming apparatuses face challenges in feeding a large number of sheets without causing sheets to curve or jam, especially when the number of sheets exceeds 2,000 to 4,000, leading to issues with lift-up mechanism load, size, cost, and precision adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A paper feeder design with a storage section, feed path, delivery section, and receiving section, where the feed path is open to the exterior in the delivery section, and the receiving section is continuous with another feeder's delivery section, allowing for straight sheet transport and preventing curvature, thus reducing jamming and maintaining print quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of recording sheets to be stored is increased, then the capacity of the paper feeder is improved, but the load on the lift-up mechanism increases and the size and cost of the paper feeder increase
Solution Approach 1:
The paper feeder is divided into multiple independent paper feed units arranged in parallel, each with its own storage section and feed path. This segmentation allows the system to store a large total number of sheets without requiring a single large lift-up mechanism, as each unit operates independently with its own simplified lift-up mechanism.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of recording sheets to be stored is increased, then the capacity of the paper feeder is improved, but the size of the paper feeder increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple paper feed units are nested or closely arranged in parallel, with each unit's storage section positioned to utilize space efficiently. The feed paths are arranged to share common spaces and the receiving section is centrally located, allowing compact integration of multiple feeding capacities into a relatively small overall footprint.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a bent or curved sheet feed path is used to connect storage section at different height to sheet feed inlet, then the paper feeder can be configured with vertical arrangement, but the recording sheet is likely to curve and jam during feeding
Solution Approach 1:
Each paper feed unit has its storage section and feed path independently configured at the same height level, eliminating the need for bent or curved feed paths. This segmentation allows each unit to operate at a consistent height, ensuring straight sheet feeding and preventing curvature-related jamming while still achieving vertical arrangement through the parallel distribution of multiple units.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet feed inlet is positioned continuously with the sheet feed path for communication, then the paper feeder can be integrated with the image forming apparatus, but the feed path becomes bent or curved when storage section is at different height
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple paper feed units are positioned at the same height level as the sheet feed inlet, allowing each unit's feed path to be straight and continuous. This segmentation approach enables integration with the image forming apparatus while maintaining straight feed paths, as each independently configured unit can align its feed path directly with the inlet without requiring bends or curves.
Data Source
AI summary
A paper feeder includes a storage section, a feed path, a delivery section, and a receiving section. The storage section is configured to store therein plural sheet members to be fed to a processing apparatus which is operative to perform processing on the sheet members. The feed path allows each of the plural sheet members fed from the storage section to pass therethrough in a feed direction toward the processing apparatus. The delivery section is located most downstream on the feed path in the feed direction. The feed path is open to exterior in the delivery section. The receiving section is located upstream of the feed path in the feed direction for communication with a delivery section of a separate paper feeder having an identical construction with the present paper feeder when the separate paper feeder is disposed upstream of the present paper feeder in the feed direction.