Sheet Skew Correction via Asymmetric Guide Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium feeding devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently correcting the skew of sheets due to complex structures required for synchronized control of guide members.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus comprising a transport device, an abutment member, and a displacement device, where the abutment member is positioned to abut against the sheet's edge, and the displacement device corrects sheet skew by displacing the sheet in contact with it, allowing for skew correction with a simpler structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a pair of guide members that each rotate about a rotary shaft are used to guide the posture of media from respective sides, then the media can be guided and skew can be corrected, but the structure becomes complex and synchronized control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the skew correction function from the complex synchronized rotation mechanism and implements it through a single guide member with a specific geometric shape (asymmetric profile). This asymmetric guide member inherently provides different guidance characteristics for sheets with skew in different directions, eliminating the need for complex synchronized control of multiple rotating members while maintaining effective skew correction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing a guide member with an asymmetric cross-sectional profile. This asymmetric shape creates different interaction characteristics with sheets that are skewed in different directions, enabling the single guide member to effectively correct skew in both directions without requiring symmetric pairs of rotating members, thus simplifying the overall structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple guide members are used to regulate media position from both sides, then media alignment can be achieved, but the control mechanism becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dual-directional skew correction capability from a multi-member control system and consolidates it into a single guide member with an asymmetric profile. This design inherently provides different guidance responses for skew in different directions, maintaining effective alignment control while dramatically simplifying the operation and control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric guide member design allows the system to automatically adapt to sheets with skew in different directions without requiring complex control logic. The geometric asymmetry of the guide member itself provides the corrective action needed, making the system self-regulating and easier to operate compared to synchronized multi-member control systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex guide member system is used for skew correction, then skew can be corrected, but the device requires more components and becomes harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the skew correction function from a complex multi-component system and implements it through a single guide member with an asymmetric profile. This consolidation reduces the number of components that require maintenance and assembly, while preserving the essential skew correction capability through the inherent geometric properties of the asymmetric guide member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple skew correction functions into a single guide member with an asymmetric cross-section. This guide member simultaneously handles skew correction in both directions, eliminating the need for separate rotating members and their associated drive mechanisms, thereby reducing maintenance requirements and improving ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport apparatus includes a transport device, an abutment member, and a displacement device. The transport device transports a sheet in a first direction, corresponding to a sheet transport direction. The abutment member is located on one side of the transport device, in a second direction intersecting the first direction, to be abutted against a side of the sheet on the one side in the second direction. The displacement device displaces the sheet toward the one side in the second direction, in contact with the sheet.