Sheet Feeder Frame Rigidity via Localized Standing Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet feeder designs face challenges in increasing the rigidity of the frame to resist the reaction force from the urging spring, while maintaining a compact size in the feed direction.
Innovation Solution
The sheet feeder incorporates a frame design with a standing wall in a second region that extends farther upward than the upper edge in a first region, enhancing the frame's rigidity without increasing its size in the feed direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rigidity of the frame is increased by providing a standing wall extending upward, then the frame can resist the reaction force from the urging spring, but the size of the frame in the feed direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed with non-uniform height in the width direction: the upper edge in the first region (where the actuator operates) is lowered to allow actuator movement, while the standing wall in the second region (where the separation pad is located) extends upward to provide rigidity. This local differentiation allows the frame to have different structural properties in different regions, achieving both actuator compatibility and sufficient rigidity without increasing the overall feed direction size.
2Ease of operation
If the upper edge of the frame is lowered in the first region to accommodate the actuator, then the actuator can operate without interference, but the rigidity of the frame decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with spatially varying structure: the upper edge height is reduced in the first region to ensure adequate operation range for the contact piece and rotation shaft, while the standing wall in the second region extends upward to compensate for and provide the necessary rigidity. This localized structural differentiation allows each region to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the rigidity requirement by utilizing the width direction dimension rather than increasing height uniformly. The standing wall extends upward in the second region, providing rigidity through vertical reinforcement while the actuator operates in the horizontal plane of the first region, effectively using different spatial dimensions for different functional requirements.
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 effectively increases the rigidity of the frame, reducing the likelihood of downward bending and maintaining the separation performance of the separation roller and pad, while preventing an increase in size in the feed direction.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to exert an urging force that presses the separation pad toward the separation roller
Implementation Method 2
The separation roller is configured to feed a sheet in a feed direction
Implementation Method 3
The contact piece is configured to contact the sheet and pivot about a rotation axis extending in a width direction perpendicular to the feed direction
Data Source
AI summary
A spring is located between a separation pad and a frame. The frame is configured to receive a downward reaction force that is a reaction force of an urging force of a spring. A rotation shaft and a contact piece are located at one side of the separation pad in a width direction. The frame has an upper edge in a first region defined between one end and another end of the rotation shaft in the width direction. A height of the upper edge in the first region is at a same height or below a rotation axis. The frame includes a standing wall in a second region in the width direction. The standing wall extends farther upward than the upper edge in the first region. The second region includes a region in which the separation pad is located. The second region is other than the first region.