Paper Thickness Detection Roller Pitching Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paper-sheet-thickness detecting devices face challenges in accurately detecting paper thickness and detecting taped parts without requiring fine adjustments, experiencing kick in output waveforms, and having complex configurations with separate biasing and detection units, as well as issues with foreign substance removal and paper jam due to constant roller contact and dust accumulation.

Innovation Solution

A paper-sheet-thickness detecting device with a reference roller and detection units comprising a detection roller, a detection block, a pressing member, and a displacement detector, where the detection roller contacts the reference roller and is maintained by a pressing member, and a scraper for foreign substance removal, with a pitching suppression unit and staggered detection block arrangement to reduce shock and simplify configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the detection roller is always brought into contact with the reference roller, then the thickness detection function is maintained, but a tremor (pitching) of the detection roller occurs during passage of a paper sheet, causing inaccurate thickness detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness detection accuracyVSAvoidtremor (pitching) of detection roller
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a pitching suppression unit that suppresses the tremor (pitching) of the detection roller before it causes inaccurate thickness detection. The suppression unit preemptively stabilizes the detection roller during paper sheet passage, preventing the harmful oscillations from occurring in the first place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the detection roller is always brought into contact with the reference roller, then the thickness detection function is maintained, but fine dust adhered to the paper sheet adheres to the rollers, preventing accurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness detection accuracyVSAvoiddust accumulation on rollers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by providing a scraper that automatically removes dust and foreign substances from the detection roller and reference roller surfaces during operation. The scraper is positioned to contact the rollers and continuously clean them as paper sheets pass through, enabling the system to maintain its own cleanliness without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a scraper is secured to a part of the apparatus to remove foreign substances, then dust removal function is provided, but movement of the detection roller is blocked due to an end of the scraper, preventing accurate thickness detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign substance removal capabilityVSAvoiddetection roller movement freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scraper movable rather than fixed. The scraper can move in the direction of the detection roller's movement, allowing it to follow the roller's motion without blocking it. This dynamic adjustment ensures the scraper maintains contact with the roller surface for cleaning while not interfering with the roller's operational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If multiple detection blocks are arranged to detect the entire surface of a paper sheet, then comprehensive thickness detection is achieved, but the paper sheet bumps against all detection rollers at a time, causing shock and paper jam

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive thickness detection coverageVSAvoidshock and resistance during detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the detection process into sequential stages rather than simultaneous measurement. Multiple detection blocks are arranged to detect different portions of the paper sheet at different times as it passes through, rather than all detecting at once. This temporal and spatial segmentation reduces the cumulative force and shock on the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Measurement precision

If the conventional lever mechanism with locking member is used to set the gap, then thickness detection is possible, but the setting operation becomes quite difficult and the gap may go out of order during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap setting accuracyVSAvoidgap setting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical lever and locking member system with a more straightforward adjustment mechanism. The new design eliminates the need for intricate mechanical linkages and locking operations, substituting them with a simpler system that achieves the same gap setting accuracy while being much easier to operate and maintain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables accurate thickness detection without fine adjustments, reduces kick in output waveforms, simplifies configuration, and effectively removes foreign substances, preventing paper jam and maintaining detection sensitivity.

Implementation Method 1

a mark is formed on the pressing member 6 in a direction of displacement of the pressing member 6. A displacement detector 7 detects a displacement amount of the pressing member 6 by use of the mark

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2431313B1Paper-sheet-thickness detecting device
Publication Date: 2013.12.25 GLORY LTD
  • EP2431313B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2431313B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2431313B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A paper-sheet-thickness detecting device includes a reference roller (1) provided on a fixed rotation shaft; a detection roller (2) provided to face and come into contact with the reference roller (1); a detection block (3) in which the detection roller (2) is provided at one end and the other end is rotatably fixed around a fulcrum shaft so that the detection block (3) is turned and displaced according to a thickness of a paper sheet passing through between the reference and detection rollers (1, 2); a holding block (6) that holds the fulcrum shaft; a first pressing member (6) fixed to the holding block to maintain contact between the detection and reference rollers (1, 2) by pressing the detection block (3), the first pressing member (6) being displaced according to rotating and displacement of the detection block (3) when the paper sheet passes through between the reference and detection rollers (1, 2); and a displacement detector (7) that detects a displacement amount of the first pressing member (6).