Sheet Remover Structure for Safe Jammed Sheet Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require manual intervention to remove jammed sheets, which can be cumbersome and potentially hazardous, especially when dealing with heated sheets.
Innovation Solution
A novel sheet remover with a pair of insertion-part formers and through-part formers that guide and wind the sheet out of the apparatus, minimizing manual handling and allowing for easy removal without opening the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a door on the housing is opened to manually remove the jammed sheet, then the sheet can be accessed and removed, but the operation becomes cumbersome and potentially hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet removal function is extracted from the main apparatus by using a separate removable sheet remover tool. The tool includes an insertion part that can be inserted through the sheet ejection port to access and remove jammed sheets without opening the housing door, thereby eliminating the hazard of exposed internal components while maintaining easy sheet removal capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet remover acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the jammed sheet. It includes a insertion part with sheet engagement portions that can penetrate through the ejection port and engage the jammed sheet, allowing safe remote manipulation of the sheet without direct hand contact with hot or dangerous internal components
2Device complexity
If the insertion part has a constant width, then the structure is simple, but the sheet may not be smoothly inserted or may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion part features variable width with inclined surfaces at its leading end, creating a tapered configuration that is narrower at the tip and wider toward the base. This local variation in width allows the insertion part to smoothly penetrate the ejection port and engage the sheet without damage, while the rest of the structure remains relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The leading end of the insertion part includes inclined surfaces that create a curved or tapered profile rather than a straight constant-width structure. This curved geometry facilitates smooth insertion by gradually transitioning from the ejection port into the sheet path, reducing resistance and preventing sheet damage
3Productivity
If the sheet is manually handled to remove it from the apparatus, then the sheet can be removed, but the operation is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet remover is designed to enable self-service sheet removal through the ejection port. The insertion part automatically engages the sheet when inserted, and the user can pull the sheet out by simply withdrawing the tool, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or opening the housing door
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion part is pre-configured with sheet engagement portions at its leading end that are designed to automatically catch and hold the sheet when inserted. This preliminary preparation of the tool structure allows immediate sheet engagement upon insertion, reducing the time and effort required for sheet removal
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet remover includes a pair of insertion-part formers and a pair of through-part formers. The pair of insertion-part formers forms an insertion part between the pair of insertion-part formers into which a sheet is inserted. At least one of the pair of insertion-part formers includes an inclined portion inclined in a direction in which a width of the insertion part in a thickness direction of the sheet decreases in a sheet insertion direction in which the sheet is inserted. The pair of through-part formers forms a through part between the pair of through-part formers through which the sheet is inserted. The through part is located downstream from the insertion part in the sheet insertion direction.