Sheet Feeding Apparatus Width Verification Prevents Skew Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding apparatuses fail to detect displaced aligning members when no sheet is temporarily fed, leading to skew feeding and jamming, especially when used in image forming apparatuses of different specifications, resulting in damaged equipment and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a controlling portion that compares input and detected sheet width size information before feeding, stopping the operation when discrepancies are found, and includes a size detecting portion to ensure accurate alignment and prevent skew feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet feeding apparatus is commonly used in image forming apparatus of different specifications, then the versatility and adaptability of the apparatus is improved, but the risk of feeding sheets with incorrect width sizes increases, leading to skew feeding and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the detecting portion continuously monitors the position of aligning members and compares detected sheet width with the set width. When a discrepancy is detected (such as when sheets are removed and aligning members are displaced without user awareness), the system provides feedback to prevent feeding, thereby maintaining reliability across different apparatus specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection and comparison of sheet width before the feeding operation. The controlling portion compares the detected sheet width with the set width in advance, and only permits feeding when they match. This preliminary action prevents skew feeding and jamming by ensuring correct alignment before sheets are fed into the image forming apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If the user displaces the side regulating plates while removing jammed sheets without awareness, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of sheet alignment deteriorates, causing skew feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting portion provides continuous feedback on the position of side regulating plates. When plates are displaced from their set positions, the system detects the change and prevents feeding, thereby maintaining alignment precision even when users freely adjust plates during jam removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-checking of aligning member positions and automatically prevents feeding when misalignment is detected. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually verify alignment, allowing them to freely adjust plates during maintenance without compromising precision.
3Device complexity
If the sheet feeding apparatus does not detect displaced aligning members, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of sheet feeding deteriorates, leading to jamming in the apparatus body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with a simpler detection system that uses the existing aligning member structure. The detecting portion utilizes the positional information of aligning members through a straightforward detection mechanism, avoiding the need for complex mechanical sensors while maintaining high reliability in detecting displaced aligning members.
4Productivity
If the apparatus feeds sheets without verifying width size match, then the productivity is improved, but the harmful factors increase, causing skew fed sheets to be jammed and potentially damage the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of sheet width match before feeding operation. The controlling portion compares detected width with set width in advance, and only permits feeding when they match. This preliminary check prevents skew feeding and subsequent jamming, protecting the image forming apparatus from damage while maintaining productivity through rapid verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by preventing the feeding operation when width mismatch is detected. Rather than allowing harmful skew feeding to occur and then correcting it, the system proactively blocks the feeding action before harm can occur, eliminating jamming and equipment damage risks while maintaining high productivity through quick detection and decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a manual feed tray on which sheets are stacked, a feeding member, side regulating plates, a detecting portion which detects positions of the side regulating plates and detects a width size of the sheets, an operation panel which receives an input of width size information of the sheets from a user, and a control circuit which compares width size information detected by the detecting portion and the width size information input to the operation panel, and stops a sheet feeding operation of the feeding member when the two pieces of width size information are different, and the control circuit compares the width size information of the detecting portion and the width size information of the operation panel, per sheet before the feeding member starts feeding the sheet.