Post-Processing Device Height Reduction via Nested Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-processing devices face challenges in reducing their height while minimizing wear of transportation members due to sliding relative to upper frames, which increases device size and affects efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotating body and upper member within the rotation locus of the transportation member, positioned to reduce friction and wear, and allowing the transportation member to rotate around a shaft with a rotating body and upper member positioned to minimize height and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the post-processing device is designed with a rotary registration paddle to transport media, then the media can be fed one by one onto the registration tray, but the device size in the height direction increases due to the rotation locus space requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the registration paddle from a horizontal rotation configuration to a vertical rotation configuration. This dimensional change allows the rotation locus to be contained within the width direction rather than requiring height direction space, thereby reducing the overall device height while maintaining the media feeding function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the rotating body and upper member within the rotation locus of the transportation member, creating a nested arrangement where components are contained within the available space defined by the rotation path, maximizing space utilization and minimizing device footprint
2Length of stationary object
If the device height is reduced to minimize size, then the transportation member slides relative to the upper member, but this causes wear of the transportation member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotating body as an intermediary component between the transportation member and the upper member. This rotating body acts as a mediator that allows the transportation member to rotate without direct sliding contact with the upper member, thereby reducing wear while maintaining compact device dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static sliding contact arrangement to a dynamic rotating contact arrangement. By enabling the transportation member to rotate around a rotation shaft rather than slide linearly, the system reduces friction and wear while maintaining the necessary functional relationship between components
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 configuration effectively reduces the size of the post-processing device in the height direction while minimizing wear and deformation of the transportation member, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a transportation member that is provided above the processing tray, and, by rotating around a rotation shaft, transports the medium toward upstream in a transport direction
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing device includes a processing tray on which a medium recorded by a recording portion is loaded, and a first paddle which is an example of a transportation member provided above the processing tray and rotating to transport the medium toward the upstream in a transport direction. In addition, the post-processing device includes a roller which is an example of a rotating body provided above the rotation shaft of the first paddle, and a paddle unit frame which is an example of an upper member provided above the roller. The roller and the paddle unit frame are positioned within a rotation locus of the first paddle.