Sheet Accommodating Device with Segmented Plate Biasing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet accommodating devices in image forming apparatuses face issues with pressure accuracy due to varying sheet sizes, leading to empty or multiple feeding problems, as the biasing members require higher forces for larger sheets, resulting in tolerance issues and inaccurate pressing forces.
Innovation Solution
A sheet accommodating device with a first and second plate member configuration, where the first plate member is smaller than the second, utilizing a first and second biasing member to adjust pressing force based on sheet size, allowing for proper adjustment of the upward pressing force to prevent empty or multiple feeding, and using a width regulating member to ensure accurate sheet feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first plate member is made larger to accommodate larger sheets, then the adaptability to different sheet sizes is improved, but the weight of the first plate member increases requiring a stronger first biasing member with greater tolerance, deteriorating the pressure accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The plate member is divided into a first plate member and a second plate member with different areas. The first plate member has a smaller area optimized for small sheets, while the second plate member has a larger area for large sheets. This segmentation allows each plate member to maintain appropriate weight and biasing force characteristics for its intended use, preventing tolerance accumulation while maintaining adaptability across different sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different plate members are designed with different areas and weights according to their specific functions. The first plate member is smaller and lighter for small sheets, while the second plate member is larger and heavier for large sheets. This local quality differentiation ensures that each biasing member operates within optimal force ranges, maintaining pressure accuracy across various sheet sizes without requiring excessive biasing force that would increase tolerance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first biasing member is made stronger to press up the heavier first plate member, then the ability to handle larger sheets is improved, but the tolerance of the biasing member increases causing deterioration in pressure accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing system is segmented into a first biasing member and a second biasing member. Each biasing member is sized appropriately for its corresponding plate member and sheet size category. This segmentation prevents the need for a single over-strong biasing member that would accumulate tolerance, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while handling various sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The area parameter of the plate members is changed between the first and second plate members. By making the first plate member smaller, its weight is reduced, allowing the first biasing member to operate with smaller, more precise forces and tolerances. This parameter change directly improves manufacturing precision while maintaining the system's ability to handle different sheet sizes through the dual-plate configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single large plate member is used to accommodate all sheet sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the weight increases leading to empty feeding or multiple feeding problems
Solution Approach 1:
The single large plate member is segmented into a first plate member and a second plate member. The first plate member is smaller and used for small sheets, while the second plate member is larger and used for large sheets. This segmentation ensures that each plate member's weight and the corresponding biasing force are appropriately matched to the sheet size, preventing empty feeding or multiple feeding problems while maintaining adaptability to all sheet sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different plate members are designed with different areas and weights according to the specific requirements of different sheet sizes. This local quality differentiation ensures that the biasing force is appropriately matched to each sheet size category, improving feeding reliability while maintaining overall system adaptability.
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 improves pressure accuracy and prevents feeding errors across different sheet sizes by optimizing the pressing force and reducing the weight and size of the first plate member while enhancing the strength and assembly of the second plate member, ensuring stable and accurate sheet feeding.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing member that presses up the first plate member
Implementation Method 2
a second biasing member that presses up the second plate member
Implementation Method 3
the biasing member presses up the first plate member or both the first and second biasing members press up both the first and second plate members. The sheet accommodating device prevents the occurrence of empty feeding or multiple feeding regardless of the size of the sheets by properly adjusting the pressing force of the sheets against the sheet feeding member by changing, according to the size of the sheets, the upward pressing force acting on the first plate member
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet accommodating device includes a first plate member on which sheets are mounted, a first biasing member that presses up the first plate member, a second plate member disposed on a side of the first plate member opposite to a side of the first plate member on which the sheets are mounted; and a second biasing member that presses up the second plate member, and has a configuration in which, according to a size of the sheets, the first biasing member presses up the first plate member or both the first and second biasing members press up both the first and second plate members. An area of the first plate member is smaller than an area of the second plate member.