Sheet Storage Device Tray Rotation Angle Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet storage devices in image processing apparatuses lack accuracy in specifying the remaining number of sheets, leading to potential interruptions in processing due to sheet shortages.
Innovation Solution
A sheet storage device with a vertically repositionable tray, a rotating member, an angle sensor, and a controller that determines the remaining number of sheets based on the rotation angle of the rotating member, allowing for precise calculation using a data table associating rotation angles with sheet counts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a tray is used to store sheets, then sheets can be stored in a compact manner, but the accuracy of specifying the remaining number of sheets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sheet counting methods with an optical measurement system. An optical sensor measures the height of the sheet stack, and a controller calculates the remaining sheet count based on this height measurement and stored reference data, eliminating the need for mechanical counting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical sensor as an intermediary between the sheet stack and the control system. This sensor measures the sheet stack height and provides data to the controller, which then determines the remaining sheet count, enabling indirect but accurate measurement.
2Device complexity
If the remaining number of sheets is not accurately specified, then device complexity is reduced, but processing interruptions increase due to sheet shortages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sheet counting mechanisms with a simple optical height measurement system. The optical sensor measures sheet stack height, and the controller calculates the remaining sheet count using stored reference data, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors sheet stack height and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine the remaining sheet count and can notify users when sheets are low, ensuring processing continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet storage device includes a body, a tray, a rotating member, an angle sensor, and a controller. The tray is vertically repositionable relative to the body and supports a sheet placed on the tray. The rotating member rotates in conjunction with a vertical movement of the tray. The angle sensor detects a rotation angle of the rotating member. The controller is operatively coupled to the angle sensor and determines a remaining number of sheets placed on the tray based on a detection result of the angle sensor.