Sheet Feeder Skew Detection Using Multi-Width Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeder apparatuses struggle to accurately detect and handle bound originals with different sizes, leading to potential wrinkling, tearing, or jamming during the feeding process.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a width detection unit, a conveyance unit, and multiple sheet detection units positioned at different widths to accurately determine the size and skewing of sheets, allowing for appropriate handling and prevention of jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the distance between sensors is increased to improve skew detection accuracy, then detection accuracy is improved, but small-size originals cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet detection unit is divided into multiple detection sections (first through fourth sections) arranged in the width direction. Each detection section can independently detect sheets of different widths, allowing the system to maintain high skew detection accuracy for large originals while also detecting small-size originals effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges detection sections not only in the width direction but also positions them at different locations along the conveyance path. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the system to detect skewing accurately while accommodating various original sizes by selecting appropriate detection sections based on the detected original width.
2Device complexity
If a single detection system is used for all original sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but detection accuracy for different sizes cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet detection unit is designed with multiple detection sections that can function universally for different original sizes. The control unit selectively activates appropriate detection sections based on the detected original width, allowing a single detection system to maintain high accuracy for both large and small originals without requiring completely separate detection systems.
3Productivity
If bound originals are fed without separation, then productivity is improved, but jamming occurs on conveyance path
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the original width and skewing state before the original enters the conveyance path. Based on this preliminary information, the control unit determines whether to separate bound originals or convey them directly, preventing jamming before it occurs while maintaining high productivity for originals that do not require separation.
4Reliability
If skew detection is performed for all originals, then reliability is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs skew detection selectively rather than for all originals. The control unit determines whether skew detection is necessary based on the detected original width and other characteristics, applying detection only when needed. This partial action approach maintains reliability for originals requiring detection while reducing processing time for originals that do not require it.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeder apparatus includes a width detector for a sheet placed on a sheet placement portion, a conveyor for conveying sheets while separating the sheets one by one, a first detector for detecting a sheet having a first width at a plurality of first positions, a second detector for detecting a sheet having a second width that is not detected by the first sheet detector at a plurality of second positions, and a controller for determining skewing of a sheet based on a result of the detection of the sheet performed by the first detector if the width of the sheet is the first width, and determining skewing of a sheet based on a result of the detection performed by the second detector if the width of the sheet is the second width.