Sheet Feed Apparatus Airflow Segmentation and Projecting Member
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feed apparatuses using airflow struggle to achieve sufficient sheet separation, especially with diverse prints and sheets that deform due to environmental changes, leading to multifeeding issues.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feed apparatus is enhanced with a movable projecting member that forms a depressed, curved shape on the sheets during hovering, improving air flow between sheets and incorporating a sensor for abnormal operation detection, reducing parts and costs while maintaining operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If airflow is used for sheet separation, then sheet feeding is automated, but sheet separation performance becomes insufficient with diverse prints and deformed sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The air ejection function is segmented into multiple openings: first ejection openings at both side ends for hovering sheets, and a second ejection opening at the center for separating the uppermost sheet. This segmentation allows each opening to perform its specific function optimally, improving sheet separation reliability while maintaining automated feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
A projecting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the sheets and the suction belt. This projecting member creates a physical barrier that prevents the uppermost sheet from contacting the suction belt prematurely, enhancing separation performance for diverse and deformed sheets while the automated airflow system continues to operate.
2Reliability
If multiple ejection openings are used for sheet separation, then sheet separation performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle structure is designed with multi-functionality: the first ejection openings serve for hovering sheets, the second ejection opening serves for separating sheets, and the projecting member also serves dual purposes by preventing premature contact and guiding sheet positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby improving sheet separation performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If a projecting member is added to improve sheet separation, then sheet separation performance improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The projecting member is merged with the holder structure, and the holder is integrated into the existing nozzle assembly. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate parts, the sheet separation performance is improved while minimizing the increase in device complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If sensor is added for abnormal operation detection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is integrated into the holder structure, allowing it to detect abnormal operations such as sheet jams or misalignments. By incorporating the detection function into an existing structural component rather than adding a completely separate detection system, the reliability is improved while minimizing the increase in device complexity and part count.
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 enhances sheet separation performance and detects abnormal operations, reducing costs and maintaining operability by forming a proper air gap and preventing multifeeding even with deformed sheets, while the retractable holder prevents operability issues during tray opening/closing.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle 8 that causes an upper layer portion of the loaded sheets 2 to hover by air blowing
Implementation Method 2
a suction belt 6, which is generally called a suction belt 6, a plurality of holes through which air passes
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feed apparatus including: a sheet storage tray that store a plurality of sheets; an suction belt that suctions an uppermost one of the sheets and conveys the sheet along a sheet conveyance surface; a nozzle including, first ejection openings that are disposed on both side ends across a substantially center portion of the suction belt and eject air toward the plurality of sheets, and a second ejection opening that is disposed at the substantially center portion of the suction belt and ejects air toward the suction belt; and a projecting member that projects downward with respect to the sheet conveyance surface, the projecting member being provided at a position opposite the nozzle with respect to the suction belt.