Paper Feeding Device Negative Pressure Sheet Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper feeding devices face challenges in efficiently separating the uppermost sheet of paper from a bundle to prevent overlapping and ensure single-sheet feeding, often requiring complex mechanisms or large fans that increase noise and size.

Innovation Solution

A paper feeding device with a blower positioned next to the paper bundle and a flow regulating member above it, generating airflow to create negative pressure between the flow regulating member and the uppermost sheet, allowing for precise separation of the sheet using an airfoil-shaped member with blocking ends and integrated sensors for position detection and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blower and flow regulating member are used to generate negative pressure for sheet separation, then sheet separation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet separation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a blower to generate airflow that creates negative pressure between the flow regulating member and the uppermost sheet, enabling reliable sheet separation through pneumatic forces rather than mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The flow regulating member is positioned specifically above the paper bundle to create localized negative pressure only where needed for sheet separation, rather than applying force throughout the entire feeding mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a large fan is used to generate sufficient airflow for sheet separation, then sheet separation effectiveness is improved, but noise level increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet separation effectivenessVSAvoidnoise level
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a blower with flow regulation to generate precisely controlled airflow that creates negative pressure for sheet separation, avoiding the need for large fans while maintaining separation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The flow regulating member adjusts airflow parameters to create sufficient negative pressure for sheet separation using a smaller blower, thereby reducing noise while maintaining separation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a large blower is used to ensure sufficient airflow for sheet separation, then sheet separation reliability is improved, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesheet separation reliabilityVSAvoidblower size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a blower combined with a flow regulating member to create negative pressure for sheet separation, allowing the use of a smaller blower compared to conventional fan-based systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

By regulating airflow parameters through the flow regulating member, the system achieves sufficient negative pressure for reliable sheet separation using a compact blower, reducing overall device size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables stable and efficient separation of the uppermost sheet, reducing friction and contact between sheets, simplifying the device, reducing noise, and minimizing the blower size, while ensuring reliable single-sheet feeding.

Implementation Method 1

the flow regulating member generating a negative pressure between the flow regulating member and an uppermost sheet of paper of the paper bundle with airflow from the blower

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure generation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a blower positioned next to the paper bundle placed on the paper feed tray and able to generate airflow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow generation: Convection

Implementation Method 3

the flow regulating member has an airfoil shape having a gap, to send airflow between the flow regulating member and the uppermost sheet of paper via the gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirfoil effect: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP3470353B1Paper feeding device
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3470353B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3470353B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3470353B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A paper feeding device of an embodiment includes a paper feed tray 2, a blower 4, and a flow regulating member 6. A paper bundle in which a plurality of sheets of paper are stacked can be placed on the paper feed tray 2. The blower 4 is positioned next to the paper bundle placed on the paper feed tray. The blower can generate airflow. The flow regulating member 6 is positioned above the paper bundle placed on the paper feed tray 2. The airflow from the blower 4 causes the flow regulating member 6 to generate a negative pressure between the flow regulating member 6 and the uppermost sheet of paper of the paper bundle.