Sheet Conveyance Detection Mechanism Reducing Mechanical Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet conveyance apparatuses face challenges in detecting sheet intervals at high speeds due to mechanical losses associated with the return motion of abutting members, which limits their ability to handle shorter sheet intervals and increases component complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a detection portion featuring a moving member that contacts the sheet, biased by a spring to move through specific positions, allowing for efficient detection and reduced mechanical loss, enabling faster sheet conveyance and smaller, less costly designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the abutting member is reciprocally moved between detection position and non-detection position, then sheet detection can be performed, but mechanical loss increases and sheet interval handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical return motion of the abutting member with a magnetic field-based actuation system. A magnetic force generator (coil) actuates the abutting member to move between detection and non-detection positions, eliminating the need for mechanical springs and return mechanisms, thereby reducing mechanical loss and enabling faster response times for shorter sheet intervals
2Measurement precision
If the abutting member returns from detection position to non-detection position, then detection cycle completes, but time consumption increases and sheet interval handling capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic actuation of the abutting member using magnetic field generators that can rapidly cycle between actuated and unactuated states. This allows the abutting member to quickly return to the non-detection position without mechanical inertia constraints, reducing detection cycle time and enabling handling of shorter sheet intervals
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical return mechanisms with magnetic field-based actuation, the system eliminates mechanical inertia and friction that would otherwise extend the return time. The magnetic force generator can rapidly reposition the abutting member, significantly reducing the time loss during detection cycle completion
3Device complexity
If conventional abutting member configuration is used, then simple structure is maintained, but sheet interval reduction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring-based return mechanisms with a magnetic field-based actuation system. This substitution, while adding some complexity through the magnetic force generator, enables significantly faster response times and shorter sheet interval handling, achieving higher productivity that outweighs the moderate increase in structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the abutting member's position through magnetic field actuation, allowing rapid adjustment between detection and non-detection states. This dynamic response capability enables the system to handle shorter sheet intervals and improve productivity, despite the added complexity of the magnetic actuation mechanism
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 solution significantly reduces mechanical losses and allows for shorter sheet intervals, enhancing productivity while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member biasing the contact portion in a predetermined direction... the contact portion is moved from the second position to the third position by a biasing force of the biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes a conveyance portion to convey a sheet in a sheet conveyance direction, and a moving member having a main body portion, a contact portion configured to come into contact with the sheet conveyed by the conveyance portion, and a shaft portion provided on the main body portion, with the moving member configured to be moved due to the contact portion contacting the sheet. A first support portion pivotably supports a first part of the shaft portion such that the moving member is configured to pivot around the shaft, and a second support portion pivotably and slidably supports a second part of the shaft portion such that the second part of the shaft portion swings around the first part. In addition, a biasing member biases the moving member, and a sensor transmits a signal according to a position of the moving member.