Sheet Feeding Sensor Layout for Accurate Timing With Fewer Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses require multiple sensors for detecting sheet presence and position, leading to increased size and cost due to the need for additional space and components.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a supporting unit, a feeding unit, a separation unit, a moving member, and two sensors to detect sheet presence and position, allowing for controlled feeding timing based on sensor detection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two sensors (sheet placement sensor and sheet leading-edge position sensor) are used to detect sheet presence and position, then detection accuracy is improved, but apparatus size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of sheet presence detection and sheet leading-edge position detection into a single sensor system. The sheet feeding roller simultaneously performs feeding action and detection function by detecting the leading edge position of the sheet during the feeding process, eliminating the need for separate placement sensor and leading-edge sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet feeding roller is designed to serve multiple functions: it feeds the sheet forward and simultaneously detects the position of the sheet leading edge. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components while maintaining detection accuracy throughout the feeding process.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sensors are installed to detect sheet position, then sheet position alignment is improved, but apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic detection approach where the sheet feeding roller continuously monitors the sheet leading edge position during motion. This dynamic detection method allows for real-time position feedback without requiring multiple static sensors positioned at different locations, thereby reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet feeding roller performs preliminary detection of the sheet leading edge position before completing the feeding action. This allows the system to anticipate and correct position deviations early in the feeding process, maintaining alignment precision without requiring downstream correction sensors.
3Reliability
If traditional sensor-based detection is used, then sheet presence is detected, but productivity is limited due to longer sheet intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous detection during the entire sheet feeding process. The sheet feeding roller maintains contact with the sheet and continuously monitors the leading edge position throughout the feeding motion, enabling real-time feedback and immediate correction without interrupting the feeding flow, thus maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback from the sheet feeding roller's detection of the leading edge position. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust the feeding process, ensuring reliable sheet detection and precise positioning while maintaining continuous operation at high speed, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a supporting unit, a sheet feeding unit, a separation unit, a moving member, a first sensor, and a control unit. The moving member is configured to move by being pushed by the sheet supported by the supporting unit. The first sensor is configured to detect the sheet based on a position of the moving member. The second sensor is configured to detect the sheet at a position downstream of the separation unit in the feeding direction. The control unit is configured to determine an existence of the sheet supported by the supporting unit based on a detection result of the first sensor, and to control feeding timing at which the sheet feeding unit starts to feed the sheet based on detection results of the first sensor and the second sensor.