Pivoting Roller Mechanism for Jammed Sheet Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording devices face difficulties in simplifying the handling of sheets that become jammed in the return path during double-sided image recording, which complicates the process and user intervention.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivoting arm mechanism that adjusts the position of driving rollers based on the tray's mounting state, allowing for a secondary conveying path that simplifies sheet handling by releasing the pinching state when the tray is removed, facilitating easy removal of jammed sheets from the return path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a roller pair in the return unit pinches the sheet to convey it toward the recording unit, then the sheet can be returned for double-sided recording, but the pinching state makes it difficult to remove jammed sheets from the return path
Solution Approach 1:
The roller pair is made dynamically controllable through a release lever mechanism. The roller pair can switch between a pinching state (for conveying sheets during normal operation) and a non-pinching state (for facilitating sheet removal). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its pinching force based on operational needs versus maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary element in the return path. When the guide is in its normal position, it works with the roller pair to convey sheets. When the guide is shifted by operating the release lever, it creates space that allows jammed sheets to be easily removed without being pinched by the roller pair, thus mediating between the conveying function and the sheet removal function.
2Ease of operation
If the guide defining the return path is opened by operating a release lever, then the pinching state between the roller pair is released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release lever mechanism is merged with the existing guide structure and roller pair support structure. The same lever that shifts the guide also triggers the release of the roller pair pinching state through a connected release mechanism. This merging reduces device complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single operational element rather than requiring separate mechanisms for guide adjustment and roller release.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the lever operation. When the user operates the release lever to shift the guide, the mechanical connection automatically triggers the roller pair to release its pinching state without requiring additional controls or complex coordination systems. The system serves itself by linking the guide adjustment and roller release functions through the same user action.
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 straightforward handling and removal of jammed sheets, reducing user complexity and improving operational efficiency by adjusting the conveying path configuration in response to tray position changes.
Implementation Method 1
The first arm is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, about a pivot axis located on an opposite side of the first arm from the first driving roller in the second conveying direction
Implementation Method 2
The second arm is configured to pivot between a third position and a fourth position, about a pivot axis located on an opposite side of the second arm from the second driving roller in the third conveying direction
Implementation Method 3
a first driving roller configured to convey the sheet from the tray in a second conveying direction toward the first conveying path
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording device includes a first arm configured to pivot between a first position and a second position in response to mounting and removal of a tray to and from the image recording device, a first driving roller attached to an end of the first arm and configured to convey a sheet from the tray toward a first conveying path, a recording unit configured to record an image on the sheet conveyed along the first conveying path, a second arm configured to pivot between a third position and a fourth position, and a second driving roller attached to an end of the second arm and configured to convey the sheet having an image recorded on one side thereof, along a second conveying path toward the first conveying path. The second arm pivots from the third position to the fourth position when the first arm pivots from the first position to the second position.