Sheet Feeding Apparatus with Detachable Pressure Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses require complex configurations and high costs to adjust feed pressure, making them inefficient for users who only need to handle specific types of sheets.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a detachable feed pressure adjustment mechanism using a first and second urging member to adjust feed pressure based on the attachment or detachment of a unit, allowing for simple and cost-effective pressure settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven feed pressure adjustment mechanism is used, then the feed pressure can be adjusted, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pressure adjustment mechanism is divided into separate detachable units (first and second detachable units) that can be independently attached or removed. Each unit contains specific urging members that contribute to the overall feed pressure, allowing selective assembly based on sheet type requirements without needing a complete motor-driven adjustment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex motor-driven adjustment mechanism is extracted and replaced with simple detachable units containing urging members. By removing the motor and control system and keeping only the essential pressure-generating components as detachable attachments, the device achieves pressure adjustment capability with minimal complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motor-driven feed pressure adjustment mechanism is used, then the feed pressure can be adjusted, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into detachable units that can be manufactured separately and assembled only when needed. This reduces the overall manufacturing cost by eliminating the expensive motor-driven system while providing adjustable feed pressure through simple spring-based urging members in the detachable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive detachable units with urging members instead of expensive motor-driven mechanisms. These detachable units can be easily manufactured and replaced, providing cost-effective feed pressure adjustment for different sheet types without requiring expensive electronic control systems.
3Force
If the detachable unit is attached, then the feed pressure increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed pressure is dynamically adjusted by attaching or detaching the detachable units containing urging members. The first and second detachable units can be selectively assembled to the feed roller unit based on the sheet type, allowing the feed pressure to be increased when needed without permanently increasing the base device complexity.
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
Enables adjustable feed pressure without motors or solenoids, reducing complexity and cost while preventing feeding failures and extending the life of feed rollers.
Implementation Method 1
a first urging member configured to bias the holding member such that the feed roller presses the sheet stacked on the stacking portion, and a detachable unit configured to be detachably supported by at least one of the feed roller unit and the apparatus body, the detachable unit including a second urging member configured to bias the holding member
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes an apparatus body, a stacking portion, a feed roller unit including a feed roller and a holding member, a first urging member configured to bias the holding member, and a detachable unit configured to be detachably supported by at least one of the feed roller unit and the apparatus body, the detachable unit including a second urging member configured to bias the holding member. A feed pressure applied to the sheet in a case where the feed roller feeds the sheet stacked on the stacking portion (i) becomes a first feed pressure by the first urging member and the second urging member in a state where the detachable unit is attached, and (ii) becomes a second feed pressure different from the first feed pressure by the first urging member in a state where the detachable unit is detached.