Sheet Transfer Guiding Member for High-Stiffness Paper Jam Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet transfer apparatuses face challenges in transferring sheets with high stiffness, such as thick paper and envelopes, due to high resistance and curvature issues, leading to paper jams and transfer defects, especially when using combined transfer paths with small curvature radii.
Innovation Solution
A sheet transfer apparatus with a first guiding member at the junction of the first and second transfer paths, featuring a belt transfer unit as a nip transfer unit, where the downstream edge extends perpendicular to the sheet transfer direction, guiding sheets from both paths onto a combined transfer path with a nip part, reducing curvature-induced resistance and preventing paper jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a combined transfer path with small curvature radius is used to downsize the apparatus, then the apparatus width is reduced, but high-stiffness sheets experience high resistance and transfer defects
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member is designed with different curvature radii for different regions: a first curvature radius for the first transfer path and a second curvature radius for the second transfer path. This allows each path to be optimized for its specific sheet type, with the second path having a larger radius suitable for high-stiffness sheets, while maintaining overall compact apparatus dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which transfer path to use based on the sheet type being processed. For high-stiffness sheets, the second transfer path with larger curvature radius is selected, while for standard sheets, the first transfer path with smaller curvature radius can be used, optimizing both compactness and reliability based on real-time needs.
2Volume of moving object
If a small curvature radius is used in the transfer path, then the apparatus size is reduced, but curvature-induced resistance increases causing paper jams
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the transfer system have different curvature characteristics. The first transfer path uses a smaller curvature radius to save space, while the second transfer path uses a larger curvature radius to reduce resistance for stiff sheets, allowing each path to be locally optimized for its intended use.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer system is segmented into multiple independent paths, each with optimized curvature characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to handle different sheet types through appropriate path selection, avoiding the compromise of using a single curvature radius for all purposes.
3Device complexity
If a single transfer path is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle various sheet types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by incorporating multiple transfer paths that can be selectively activated based on sheet type. This allows a single apparatus to universally handle both standard sheets and high-stiffness sheets, as well as accommodate different paper sizes, without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its configuration by selecting appropriate transfer paths based on the sheet type being processed. This dynamic selection capability allows the apparatus to adjust its complexity level, using only the necessary path for the current task while maintaining the option to handle various sheet types when needed.
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
The solution enables stable transfer of high-stiffness sheets by minimizing curvature-induced resistance and preventing paper jams, ensuring reliable operation even with small curvature radii, thus improving transfer quality and reducing defects.
Implementation Method 1
a belt transfer unit, which adds a frictional force to the sheet transferred from the second transfer path
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed apparatus includes a first unit upstream of a first path to transfer a sheet; a second unit upstream of a second path to transfer another sheet from opposite side of the first path; a third unit on a combined path of the first and second paths to transfer the sheets downstream; and a first member provided where the first and second paths meet to guide the sheets to the combined path. The third unit is a nip unit including elements forming a nip. One of the elements on the second path side is a belt unit. The first member has a downstream edge extending in a sheet width direction. The downstream edge has a first part facing the nip part and a second part not facing the nip part. The second part is located downstream of the first part in the sheet transfer direction.