Image-Forming Sheet Cutter with Segmented Discharge Rollers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in cutting sheets without causing bending or applying excessive heat, particularly when stopping the rollers to position the sheet for cutting, which can lead to uneven cutting and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a cutter positioned between discharge rollers, with controlled roller rotations and a sensor system to detect sheet presence, allowing precise cutting without stopping all rollers, thus minimizing bending and heat application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the discharge rollers are stopped to position the sheet for cutting, then the cutting position accuracy is improved, but the sheet may bend or be damaged due to heat accumulation and loss of continuous movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the sheet by controlling the discharge rollers to stop at precise positions before cutting. The first discharge roller stops when the sheet's cutting position reaches the cutter, and the second discharge roller stops when the sheet is properly positioned. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate cutting without needing to stop all rollers simultaneously, preventing heat accumulation and sheet damage while maintaining cutting precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If all rollers are stopped during cutting, then cutting precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to complete system halt
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is segmented into two independent discharge rollers (first discharge roller and second discharge roller) that can be controlled separately. During cutting, only the necessary roller is stopped while the other continues to operate. This segmentation allows the system to maintain cutting precision by stopping individual rollers as needed, while preserving overall productivity by keeping other parts of the system running.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation state of different rollers based on real-time requirements. The first discharge roller is stopped when positioning the sheet for cutting, while the second discharge roller continues to convey subsequent sheets. This dynamic control ensures cutting precision is maintained without halting the entire system, thereby preserving productivity.
3Productivity
If the sheet is conveyed continuously through the discharge rollers, then productivity is improved, but cutting position accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge rollers operate in periodic cycles of movement and stopping. During normal operation, the rollers convey sheets continuously to maintain productivity. When cutting is required, the system periodically stops the first discharge roller to position the sheet accurately at the cutter, then resumes operation. This periodic stopping and moving enables both high productivity during conveyance and precise positioning when needed.
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
Ensures accurate cutting of sheets without bending or excessive heat, maintaining sheet integrity and improving cutting precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating rotor; and a pressure rotor in which a nip is formed between the heating rotor and the pressure rotor
Implementation Method 2
a pressure rotor in which a nip is formed between the heating rotor and the pressure rotor
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes a device main body including a conveying path of a sheet, a fixing unit configured to fix an image formed on the sheet onto the sheet, the fixing unit including a heating rotor, and a pressure rotor in which a nip is formed between the heating rotor and the pressure rotor, a first discharge roller located at a downstream side of the fixing unit in a conveying direction of the sheet along the conveying path, and configured to convey the sheet, a second discharge roller located at a downstream side of the first discharge roller in the conveying direction, and configured to discharge the sheet conveyed by the first discharge roller to an outside of the device main body.