Single Switching Component for Sheet Transport Roll Nipping Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet transporting devices in image forming apparatuses have complex configurations due to the need for multiple pairs of transporting rolls to have separate switching mechanisms for nipping positions, leading to increased size and cost.

Innovation Solution

A sheet transporting device with a single switching component that can switch the nipping state of multiple pairs of transporting rolls between nipping and unnipping positions, allowing for configurations where all rolls are in nipping, some are in nipping while others are not, or all are in unnipping positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple pairs of transporting rolls are provided with respective switching components for nipping positions, then the sheet transport and correction capabilities are maintained, but the device configuration becomes complex, increasing size and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet transport capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple switching components into a single switching component that can control the nipping state of multiple pairs of transporting rolls. This single component integrates the switching functions that were previously distributed across multiple separate components, thereby reducing configuration complexity while maintaining the ability to control sheet transport and correction operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single switching component is designed with multi-functionality to control the nipping state of multiple pairs of transporting rolls simultaneously. This universal component can operate in different modes (all rolls nipping, some rolls nipping, all rolls unnipping) to accommodate various sheet transport requirements, eliminating the need for separate switching mechanisms for each roll pair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pairs of transporting rolls are provided with respective switching components, then individual control of nipping positions is achieved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenipping position controlVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple switching components into one compact unit that controls multiple transporting roll pairs. This consolidation reduces the overall device volume while preserving the adaptability to control nipping positions, as the single switching component can still configure different combinations of nipping and unnipping states across multiple roll pairs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single switching component is designed to provide universal control over multiple transporting roll pairs, enabling various nipping configurations without requiring separate control mechanisms for each roll. This multi-functional design maintains adaptability while minimizing device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple pairs of transporting rolls are provided with respective switching components, then precise sheet position adjustment is possible, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet position adjustmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple switching components into a single unit, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining precise sheet position adjustment capability, as the single switching component can still configure the nipping states of multiple roll pairs to achieve accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single switching component provides multi-functional control over multiple transporting roll pairs, enabling precise sheet position adjustment through various nipping configurations. This universal design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to having separate switching components for each roll pair, while preserving the precision needed for sheet position adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12202699B2Sheet transporting device and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A sheet transporting device includes: plural pairs of transporting rolls that are arranged adjacent to one another in a direction of transport of a sheet; and a component configured to switch individual positions of the plural pairs of transporting rolls between a nipping position and an unnipping position, the component being a single switching component capable of switching a state of nipping by the plural pairs of transporting rolls between a state where all of the plural pairs of transporting rolls are in the nipping position, a state where some of the plural pairs of transporting rolls are in the nipping position while remaining ones of the plural pairs of transporting rolls are in the unnipping position, and a state where all of the plural pairs of transporting rolls are in the unnipping position.