Planet Gear Position Switching for Document Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing document conveyance devices face difficulties in accurately switching between separation and non-separation conveying due to production errors in components, which affect the correct change in gear combinations.
Innovation Solution
A document conveyance device incorporating a planet gear and a position switching mechanism, supported by a support member and a transfer mechanism, allows the planet gear to engage or disengage with a drive gear using a second motor's drive force, ensuring proper gear combinations are maintained regardless of component errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If components are moved manually to switch between separation and non-separation conveying, then gear combinations can be changed, but production errors cause incorrect positioning and improper gear engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated motor-driven system. The motor automatically positions the support member to engage or disengage the planet gear with the drive gear, eliminating the reliance on manual positioning accuracy and compensating for production errors through controlled actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the planet gear. It transfers the motor's rotational motion to precisely position the planet gear, ensuring reliable engagement with the drive gear while isolating the system from production errors in direct component positioning.
2Reliability
If a motor is used to automatically switch gear combinations, then positioning accuracy improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The switching mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the motor for actuation, the support member for positioning, and the planet gear for gear combination switching. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall design by assigning specific functions to each component, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain despite the added automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member serves multiple functions: it supports the planet gear, positions the planet gear for engagement/disengagement, and acts as a transmission element for the motor's drive force. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, offsetting the complexity added by motorization.
3Ease of operation
If the planet gear is allowed to move freely for engagement, then switching is easier, but further movement after engagement causes positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement between the planet gear and drive gear provides inherent feedback. When the planet gear engages with the drive gear, the meshing teeth provide a mechanical stop that prevents further movement. This feedback mechanism ensures precise positioning without requiring additional sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to allow the planet gear to move freely during the approach phase for easy engagement. Once engagement is detected through the mechanical interaction with the drive gear, the support member's structure naturally prevents further movement, cushioning against positioning errors before they can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A document conveyance device includes a feed roller, a separation roller, a first motor for generating a first drive force for driving the separation roller, a planet gear, a drive gear, a second motor for generating a second drive force, and a position switching mechanism for switching a position of the planet gear from a first position in which the planet gear is separated from the drive gear and does not transmit the first drive force to the separation roller to a second position in which the planet gear engages with the drive gear and transmits the first drive force to the separation roller, based on the second drive force. The position switching mechanism includes a support member for supporting the planet gear, and a transfer mechanism for moving the support member so that the planet gear engages with the drive gear, based on the second drive force. The further movement of the planet gear is prevented after the planet gear engaged with the drive gear.