Rod-Shaped Sheet Remover for Narrow-Space Jam Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses require manual intervention to remove jammed sheets, which can be cumbersome and potentially hazardous, especially when dealing with heated sheets or narrow spaces.

Innovation Solution

A novel sheet remover with a pair of insertion-part formers and through-part formers that allows for easy insertion and winding of jammed sheets without manual handling, featuring a rod-shaped design and a winding guide to facilitate sheet removal from narrow spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual intervention is used to remove jammed sheets, then the sheet can be removed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and potentially hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sheet removalVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sheet remover as an intermediary tool between the user and the jammed sheet. This tool includes a insertion part with claws that can hook onto the sheet, allowing the user to remove the sheet without direct hand contact, thus eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the hazardous element (direct hand contact with jammed sheets) from the removal process by using a dedicated removal tool. The sheet remover hooks onto the sheet and pulls it out, separating the user's hand from the potentially dangerous interaction with heated or stuck sheets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If manual handling of jammed sheets is required, then the sheet can be removed, but operational difficulties increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet removal efficiencyVSAvoidoperational difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet remover is designed to self-hook onto the sheet through its insertion part with claws. When inserted into the jammed sheet, the claws automatically engage with the sheet edges, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning and handling, thus improving productivity while reducing operational difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The insertion part of the sheet remover is pre-configured with claws positioned to automatically engage with the sheet. This preliminary arrangement of the removal tool ensures that upon insertion, the sheet is immediately captured without requiring additional manual manipulation, enhancing both efficiency and ease of use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple removers are used for various locations, then all jammed sheets can be removed, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation adaptabilityVSAvoidnumber of removers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet remover is designed as a universal tool that can be used in multiple locations and situations. The insertion part with claws can engage with sheets of different sizes and positions, and the rod-shaped body allows insertion into various narrow spaces within the image forming apparatus, eliminating the need for multiple specialized removers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12448239B2Sheet remover, conveying device, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A sheet remover includes a pair of insertion-part formers and a pair of through-part formers. The pair of insertion-part formers forms an insertion part between the pair of insertion-part formers into which a sheet is inserted. The pair of through-part formers forms a through part between the pair of through-part formers through which the sheet is inserted. The through part is located downstream from the insertion part in a sheet insertion direction in which the sheet is inserted.