Rear Feeding Unit and Medium Reversing Unit for Compact Two-Sided Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recording apparatuses are large and require further size reduction while maintaining functionality for one-sided and two-sided recording, with existing designs often incorporating complex sheet feeding paths and reverse transport mechanisms that occupy significant space.

Innovation Solution

A compact recording apparatus design featuring a rear feeding unit with a medium support section that can be inclined and switched between states, combined with a medium reversing unit that includes a reversing roller and driven roller, allowing for reduced size by closely placing these components and utilizing space efficiently within the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a reverse transport path is provided on the rear side of a sheet supplying device, then two-sided recording functionality is achieved, but the apparatus size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetwo-sided recording functionalityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the rear feeding unit and medium reversing unit into an integrated assembly where the driven roller is located in the roller accommodating space. This merging of functions reduces the overall apparatus size while maintaining two-sided recording capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driven roller is nested within the roller accommodating space formed on the rear side of the medium support section. This nesting arrangement allows the reversing unit to be closely placed with the feeding unit, reducing the depth and height dimensions of the apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two sheet feeding paths are provided, then both one-sided and two-sided recording are enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording mode flexibilityVSAvoidsheet feeding path complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The medium support section is designed to support the medium in an inclined orientation and can be switched between different states (first state with medium pressed against feeding roller, second state with medium separated). This multi-functional design enables both one-sided and two-sided recording through a single integrated path rather than requiring separate dedicated paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The medium support section is made movable between different states, allowing dynamic adjustment of the medium position relative to the feeding roller. This dynamic capability enables the system to switch between feeding modes for one-sided and two-sided recording without requiring complex mechanical path changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the medium support section is fixed in position, then structural simplicity is maintained, but space utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The medium support section is designed to be movable between a first state where the supported medium is pressed against the feeding roller and a second state where the supported medium is separated from the feeding roller. This dynamic capability allows the same structural element to serve multiple functions, improving space utilization without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The design achieves a size reduction in both depth and height directions, reduces the number of components, and simplifies the transport path, enabling efficient two-sided printing while allowing for easy detachment and maintenance of the reversing unit.

Implementation Method 1

a feeding roller configured to feed a medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a medium reversing unit provided below the medium support section and including a reversing roller configured to reverse the medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a driven roller configured to nip the medium with the reversing roller therebetween

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10467511B2Recording apparatus with a rear feeding unit and a medium reversing unit

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A recording apparatus includes a feeding roller, a rear feeding unit being provided on a rear side of the apparatus, and a medium reversing unit provided below a medium support section and including a reversing roller. At least a part of a rear side of the rear feeding unit forms a medium transport path in which the medium is transported by the reversing roller, the rear feeding unit includes a driven roller configured to nip the medium with the reversing roller therebetween, and at least a part of the driven roller is located in a roller accommodating space formed on a rear side of the medium support section.