Sheet Storage Tray Position Sensing for Reverse-Winding Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet storage apparatuses have a complex structure that leads to high manufacturing costs and are prone to sheet feed failures due to reverse winding, which can cause breakdowns.

Innovation Solution

A sheet storage apparatus with a simplified design incorporating a sensing portion and control portion to prevent reverse winding by sensing the ascent/descent position of the sheet stacking tray and controlling the driving portion, using a swing member, sensor, and urging member to manage the wire's position relative to the pulley.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a driving force transmission portion is used to prevent reverse winding, then sheet feed failure is prevented, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet feed failure preventionVSAvoiddriving force transmission portion structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical driving force transmission portion with an electrical control system. The control portion receives signals from the sensing portion about the sheet stacking tray position and controls the driving portion accordingly, substituting mechanical force transmission with electrical signal processing to prevent reverse winding while simplifying the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the sensing portion continuously monitors the sheet stacking tray position and feeds this information back to the control portion. The control portion then adjusts the driving portion's operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents reverse winding without requiring complex mechanical transmission components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If a driving force transmission portion is used to prevent reverse winding, then sheet feed failure is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet feed failure preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses relatively simple and inexpensive sensing components (such as optical sensors or position sensors) and basic control electronics to achieve reverse winding prevention, replacing expensive and complex mechanical transmission components. This approach prioritizes cost-effective electrical control over expensive mechanical solutions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the wire is completely reeled out to lower the sheet stacking tray, then sheet access is improved, but reverse winding may occur causing breakdown

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet accessVSAvoidreverse winding prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing portion provides continuous feedback about the wire reeling status and sheet stacking tray position to the control portion. When the wire is completely reeled out or approaches a critical position, the sensing portion detects this state and signals the control portion to stop or reverse the reeling operation, preventing reverse winding while allowing full sheet access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system takes preliminary action to prevent reverse winding before it can occur. By monitoring the wire position and tray descent in real-time, the system stops the reeling operation at the appropriate moment, applying counter-action to the potential harmful effect of reverse winding before it damages the system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Prevents sheet feed failures while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reducing the likelihood of breakdowns by ensuring the sheet stacking tray is correctly positioned, thus enhancing the reliability of the sheet feeding process.

Implementation Method 1

The urging member urges the swing member in a direction away from the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The wire suspends the sheet stacking tray via a pulley. The wire is reeled in as the pulley portion rotates in the forward direction and is reeled out as it rotates in the reverse direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley mechanism: Pulley

Data Source

PatentEP4620878A1Sheet storage apparatus and image forming system including the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

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AI summary

With a wire (29c) wound up in a pulley portion (37), the wire (29c) is disposed in a pressing position extending along a tangential line (L) common to the pulley portion (37) and a pulley (41c). The wire (29c) disposed in the pressing position presses a swing member (81) against the urging force from an urging member (85) such that the swing member (81) approaches a sensor (840). With the wire (29c) completely unwound out of the pulley portion (37) and hence with a sheet stacking tray (29) disposed at the lowest position, the wire (29c) is disposed in a retracted position retracted from the pressing position. The wire (29c) disposed in the retracted position no longer presses the swing member (81) and stays away from the sensor (840). A control portion (90) stops a driving portion (30) on recognizing the swing member (81) having moved away from the sensor.