Sheet Supplier Friction Control for Single Sheet Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet suppliers face challenges in accurately supplying sheets, particularly when only a single sheet is placed on the tray, due to high static friction forces, which can lead to failure in sheet supply or multiple feeding, especially with glossy sheets that have a large friction coefficient.
Innovation Solution
The sheet supplier incorporates a rotation roller and supporter with specific static friction coefficient relationships (μ1>μ4>μ2, μ3>μ4) to ensure proper sheet supply, preventing multiple feeding and ensuring smooth operation with various sheet types, including glossy papers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the static frictional force between the separation pad and the lowermost sheet is increased to prevent multiple feeding, then multiple feeding is prevented, but the sheet may fail to be supplied when only a single sheet is placed on the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational member that can rotate about a rotational axis, transforming the static friction pad system into a dynamic one. The rotational member rotates in response to sheet movement, dynamically adjusting the friction interaction between the separation pad and sheets. This allows the system to adapt to different sheet conditions (single sheet vs. multiple sheets) by changing the rotational state and friction characteristics accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction parameter relationship by introducing a specific friction coefficient hierarchy: μ1 (sheet supply roller to first sheet) > μ4 (rotational member to contact portion) > μ2 (sheets to support surface), and μ3 (rotational member to second sheet) > μ4. This parameter optimization ensures that the sheet supply roller can reliably grip the uppermost sheet while the rotational member provides controlled friction to prevent multiple sheets from being fed, resolving the contradiction between preventing multiple feeding and ensuring single sheet supply.
2Productivity
If a sheet supply roller contacts an uppermost sheet and rotates to supply the sheet, then sheet supply is enabled, but high static friction between the separation pad and lowermost sheet causes multiple sheets to be fed together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotational member as an intermediary element between the sheet supply roller and the separation pad. This rotational member acts as a mediator that transfers and controls the frictional force, allowing the sheet supply roller to efficiently supply sheets while the rotational member's controlled friction prevents multiple sheets from being gripped simultaneously. The intermediary rotational member decouples the direct friction relationship between the supply roller and multiple sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
By making the friction control element rotational rather than static, the system dynamically adjusts friction characteristics during sheet supply. The rotational member's movement allows it to selectively engage with sheets based on their position and friction properties, enabling efficient single sheet separation while preventing multiple sheets from being fed together through dynamic friction modulation.
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
This configuration enables reliable sheet supply even when only a single sheet is present, preventing damage and noise, while maintaining effective conveyance and preventing multiple feeding across different sheet types.
Implementation Method 1
a static friction coefficient between the sheet supply roller and the first sheet is defined as μ1
Implementation Method 2
a static friction coefficient between the rotational member and the second sheet is defined as μ3
Implementation Method 3
a presser configured to press the sheet supply roller relative to the rotational member
Implementation Method 4
a static friction coefficient between the rotational member and the contact portion of the supporter is defined as μ4
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet supplier, including: a tray including a sheet support surface; a sheet supply roller configured to supply an uppermost one of sheets; a rotational member configured to contact a lowermost one of the sheets; a presser configured to press the supply roller relative to the rotational member; and a supporter configured to support the rotational member by a contact portion such that the rotational member is rotated by a movement of the lowermost sheet and to limit a movement of the rotational member caused by a force of the lowermost sheet in a sheet supply direction; wherein, where static friction coefficients between the supply roller and the uppermost sheet, between the sheets on the support surface, between the rotational member and the lowermost sheet, and between the rotational member and the contact portion are respectively defined as μ2, μ3, and μ4, the following expressions are satisfied: μ1>μ4>μ2, μ3>μ4.