Paper Stacking Apparatus Excessive Elevation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper feeding devices erroneously determine excessive stacking when papers fall from above, leading to incorrect operation and potential damage to the image forming apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A paper stacking apparatus with a movable stacking table and sensors that differentiate between falling papers and excessive elevation by using a hardware processor to determine the elapsed time of object detection, preventing erroneous elevation determinations and prohibiting upward drive mechanisms to avoid collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is provided above the paper feeding position to detect excessive stacking, then excessive stacking can be detected, but falling papers are erroneously detected as excessive stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a preliminary detection mechanism using a first sensor positioned at the paper feeding position to detect papers before they reach the excessive stacking detection zone. This preliminary action allows the system to distinguish between falling papers (detected briefly by first sensor) and actual excessive stacking (detected by second sensor without prior first sensor detection), thereby eliminating erroneous detections while maintaining reliable excessive stacking detection
Solution Approach 2:
The first sensor acts as an intermediary detection element between the paper source and the second sensor. By monitoring paper presence at the feeding position, it provides contextual information that helps the control unit interpret second sensor signals correctly, distinguishing between transient falling papers and genuine excessive stacking conditions
2Quantity of substance
If the stacking table is elevated to accommodate stacked papers, then paper stacking capacity is improved, but the risk of collision with the conveyance clip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the second sensor continuously monitors the stacking table position and paper height. When excessive stacking is detected, the control unit receives feedback and immediately prohibits further elevation of the stacking table, preventing collision with the conveyance clip while allowing maximum safe stacking capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The second sensor is positioned to detect excessive stacking conditions before they result in collision with the conveyance clip. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to take preventive action by prohibiting upward movement, avoiding the harmful collision while maintaining optimal stacking capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A paper stacking apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a stacking table, a first sensor, and a hardware processor. The stacking table includes an upper face on which papers are stacked, the stacking table being capable of being elevated and lowered by a drive mechanism. The first sensor is disposed at a first position and configured to detect the upper face of the stacking table or an upper face of stacked objects stacked on the stacking table. The hardware processor is coupled to the drive mechanism and the first sensor. The hardware processor is configured to determine that the stacking table is excessively elevated when an elapsed time after starting to detect the object by the first sensor is at least a first excessive-elevation determination value of time.