Sheet Presser Mechanism for Tray Stability in Post-Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional post-handling apparatuses without mechanisms to adjust the ejected sheet tray based on load cause previously ejected sheets to fall due to impact from newly ejected sheets.
Innovation Solution
A post-handling apparatus with a sheet presser mechanism that presses previously ejected sheets onto the tray when a new sheet is about to fall, and recedes when the trailing edge of the new sheet falls, preventing collisions and maintaining tray stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the mechanism to move up and down the ejected sheet tray depending on the load is omitted to downsize the post-handling apparatus, then the device complexity is reduced, but sheets previously ejected onto the tray fall due to impact with newly ejected sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet presser performs preliminary action by pressing down previously ejected sheets before the impact occurs. When a new sheet is ejected onto the tray, the sheet presser has already pressed the existing sheets flat, preventing them from being dislodged by the impact of the incoming sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet presser acts as an intermediary element between the newly ejected sheet and the previously ejected sheets. Instead of allowing direct impact between the new sheet and old sheets, the sheet presser mediates this interaction by maintaining continuous contact with the old sheets, absorbing the impact energy and preventing displacement.
2Reliability
If the sheet presser presses sheets continuously, then sheet stability is improved, but the trailing edge of the new sheet may be blocked from falling onto the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet presser employs dynamic operation by switching between two states: pressing down (when the leading edge of a new sheet is present) and receding (when the trailing edge of a new sheet is present). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different stages of sheet ejection, maintaining sheet stability without blocking the trailing edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet presser performs periodic action by alternating between pressing and receding motions synchronized with the sheet ejection cycle. The presser activates during the impact phase and deactivates during the trailing edge phase, creating a rhythmic pattern that maintains stability while ensuring smooth sheet ejection.
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
Prevents sheets from falling or becoming misaligned due to collisions, allows for accurate detection of tray capacity without additional systems, and reduces maintenance needs by displaying tray full status correctly.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet presser configured to press a sheet previously ejected onto the ejected sheet tray against the ejected sheet tray
Data Source
AI summary
A post-handling apparatus having an aligning tray configured to receive a sheet from an image forming apparatus; an ejected sheet tray located adjacent to the aligning tray; a conveyer configured to convey the sheet on the aligning tray to the ejected sheet tray; and a sheet presser configured to press a sheet previously ejected onto the ejected sheet tray against the ejected sheet tray. The sheet presser presses the sheet previously ejected to the ejected sheet tray when a leading edge of a sheet currently conveyed to the ejected sheet tray falls down on the ejected sheet tray, and is in a receding position receding from the ejected sheet tray when a trailing edge of the sheet currently conveyed to the ejected sheet tray falls down on the ejected sheet tray.