Sheet Feeding Apparatus Lift Detection for Stapled Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting stapled sheets, leading to potential sheet jams and damage, as not all stapled sheets become slanted or looped during feeding, making existing detection methods unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus equipped with a lift detecting sensor that identifies a lifted portion of a sheet as it is fed, using infrared beams to detect if a stapled sheet is being pulled, allowing for reliable detection of stapled sheets regardless of their orientation or curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If detection methods based on sheet slanting or looping are used, then some stapled sheets can be detected, but not all stapled sheets are reliably detected leading to sheet jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (detecting sheet slanting or looping during feeding) with an optical detection system. The lift detecting sensor uses infrared beams to detect the lifted portion of sheets, substituting mechanical observation with optical measurement to achieve more reliable detection of stapled sheets regardless of their physical state during feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism - the lift detecting sensor with infrared beams - that detects the lifted portion of sheets as an intermediate indicator of stapling. Instead of directly detecting the staple or the sheet's final state, the system detects the temporary lifted portion that occurs during feeding, which serves as a reliable intermediary sign of stapled sheets.
2Measurement precision
If conventional detection methods are used, then the apparatus structure remains simple, but detection accuracy decreases leading to missed stapled sheet detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems that would be needed to accurately detect stapled sheets with a simpler optical sensing system. The lift detecting sensor using infrared beams provides high measurement precision for detecting the lifted portion of sheets without requiring complex mechanical structures, achieving both high detection accuracy and relatively simple device complexity.
3Productivity
If sheet feeding continues without reliable stapled sheet detection, then feeding speed is maintained, but sheet jams occur causing damage to apparatus and sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the lift detecting sensor continuously monitors sheets during feeding and provides real-time detection information. When a stapled sheet is detected through the lifted portion, the system receives feedback and can stop feeding, preventing sheet jams and apparatus damage while maintaining normal feeding speed for non-stapled sheets.
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 apparatus effectively prevents sheet jams by accurately detecting stapled sheets, ensuring reliable feeding and reducing damage to the apparatus and sheets, even when sheets are already curled or bent.
Implementation Method 1
a lift detecting sensor that detects a lifted portion of the sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable pick roller and a rotatable separating roller are formed integrally with a roller case. A retard roller opposes the separating roller and rotates in a direction opposite to that of the separating roller. A lift detecting sensor is mounted on the roller case. When a first sheet and second sheet that are stapled together are accidentally placed on a sheet table, the pick roller picks-up the first sheet and feed it in the gap between the retard roller and the separating roller, the second sheet abuts with the retard roller so that a portion of the first sheet and the second sheet gets lifted. The lift detecting sensor detects the lifted portion and stops rotations of the rollers.