Sheet Transport Device Using Counter Electromotive Force for Detector Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet transportation devices face reliability issues due to counter electromotive force induction in electromagnetic components, which can cause damage and increase power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A sheet transportation device that includes a transportation path, a transportation unit driven by an electromagnetic component, a detector for sheet presence, and a supply unit that utilizes counter electromotive force as power for the detector, ensuring reliable operation and reduced power consumption by effectively managing the electromagnetic component's power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic components are used to drive transportation units, then transportation function is achieved, but counter electromotive force causes component damage and reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidcounter electromotive force damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful counter electromotive force generated when the electromagnetic component stops receiving power into a useful power source for driving the detector. The power supply unit supplies this counter electromotive force to the detector, transforming what was previously a damaging effect into a beneficial energy source that eliminates the need for separate power supply for the detector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If separate power supply is provided for detector, then detector operation is ensured, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector operation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic component serves dual functions: it drives the transportation unit during normal operation and generates counter electromotive force to power the detector when stopping. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate power supply for the detector, reducing overall power consumption while ensuring reliable detector operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent recovers the counter electromotive force that would otherwise be wasted or cause damage when the electromagnetic component stops. This recovered energy is then utilized to power the detector, transforming energy that would be discarded into a useful resource and reducing total power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 ensures reliable sheet transportation by preventing damage from counter electromotive force and reducing power consumption by using induced counter electromotive force to power the detector, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the device.

Implementation Method 1

terminating the application of current for inducing a magnetic field causes counter electromotive force, i.e. electromotive force to cancel change in the magnetic field caused by terminating application of current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCounter electromotive force induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2354059B1Sheet transportation device including electromagnetic component and control method thereof
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECH INC
  • EP2354059B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2354059B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2354059B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A sheet transportation device (50, 20, 30, 60, 1) includes a transportation path (500) for transportation of a sheet, a transportation unit (52, 520) for applying force to a sheet on the transportation path, and an electromagnetic component (L1) for driving the transportation unit by receiving supply of electric power. At the sheet transportation device (50, 20, 30, 60, 1), the absence/presence of a sheet is detected at a downstream side of the region where the transportation unit applies force to a sheet in the transportation path, and counter electromotive force induced in response to electric power being supplied to the electromagnetic component (L1) is supplied as the electric power for the detector.