Sheet Guide Layout for Downward Jam Access in Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face challenges in easily securing space for jam removal operations, particularly when sheets are jammed in paths that are not accessible from above.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus features movable guides that can be repositioned to expose jammed sheets downward, allowing easy access even when the jam occurs in paths that are not normally accessible from above.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the printing apparatus uses fixed guides to define conveyance paths, then the structure is simple and stable, but the user cannot easily access jammed sheets in paths that are not accessible from above
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is designed to be movable between a first position where it defines the conveyance path and a second position where it opens the path. This dynamic repositioning allows the same structure to serve both as a stable guide during operation and as an accessible opening during jam removal, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide member is segmented into a first guide portion that defines the first conveyance path and a second guide portion that defines the second conveyance path. This segmentation allows independent movement and positioning of different guide sections, enabling selective opening of specific paths while maintaining overall structural integrity and simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the user needs to access paths not accessible from above for jam removal, then complete path accessibility is achieved, but the user must perform extensive space manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is pre-configured to be movable to an opening position that exposes the conveyance path before the user needs to perform jam removal. This preliminary repositioning of the guide member creates immediate accessibility without requiring the user to perform complex space manipulation operations, thereby reducing time loss.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the guide member remains in position to define the conveyance path, then the printing path is stable and defined, but the surrounding space is occupied and cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member transitions from a static position that stably defines the conveyance path to a dynamic opening position that accesses surrounding space. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain path stability during printing while enabling accessibility during maintenance operations, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A first guide includes a first guide surface and a second guide surface. A second guide is located below the first guide. The second guide includes a third guide surface. The first guide is movable between: a first position at which the first guide surface guides a sheet that is conveyed along a first conveyance path; and a second position at which the first guide is located at a lower position than the first guide at the first position. The second guide is movable between: a third position at which the third guide surface guides a sheet that is conveyed along a second conveyance path; and a fourth position at which the second conveyance path is opened. The first guide at the second position is located above the second guide at the fourth position.