Solenoid-Driven Guide Member for Sheet Path Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium transport devices in image forming apparatuses require multiple driving sources to switch between transport paths, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs due to frequent use of motors or highly elastic springs, and may result in erroneous sheet guidance.
Innovation Solution
A medium transport device with a transporting member, medium offsetting member, guide member, and interlocking member that uses a single solenoid to move the guide member between positions, reducing the need for separate driving sources and preventing erroneous sheet guidance by utilizing a spring to hold the gate in the frequently used position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a motor is used to switch transport paths, then path switching capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the path switching function with the existing transporting member by making the guide member movable. The guide member is integrated with the transporting mechanism and switched using the same driving source (solenoid) that drives the transporting member, thereby eliminating the need for a separate motor dedicated to path switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid serves multiple functions: it drives the transporting member forward and also switches the guide member between different positions to change transport paths. This multi-functional use of a single driving source reduces device complexity while maintaining path switching capability.
2Reliability
If a highly elastic spring is used to hold the gate, then path switching reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the highly elastic spring with a simple elastic member that has lower elasticity. This simpler elastic member is sufficient to hold the guide member in its switched position, reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate reliability for path switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the elasticity parameter of the spring from highly elastic to less elastic. This parameter change is sufficient to achieve the required holding function without needing a complex highly elastic spring mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple driving sources are used, then transport path switching capability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid is designed to perform multiple functions: driving the transporting member and switching the guide member. By using a single driving source for multiple purposes, the operational cost is reduced while maintaining the capability to switch transport paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the path switching operation with the transporting operation by using the same solenoid for both functions. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate motors, thereby reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
4Manufacturing precision
If the guide member is movable between positions, then sheet guidance accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide member is integrated with the transporting member structure, and its movement is achieved through the existing solenoid mechanism. This integration allows the guide member to move between positions for accurate sheet guidance without adding significant device complexity.
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 reduces operational costs and minimizes errors in sheet guidance by using a single driving source for the solenoid to manage the gate positions, ensuring efficient and accurate transport of sheets without the need for continuous motor operation or highly elastic springs.
Implementation Method 1
an interlocking member that moves the guide member between the first position and the second position in conjunction with a movement of the medium offsetting member in a width direction of the medium offsetting member
Implementation Method 2
A medium transport device with a transporting member, medium offsetting member, guide member, and interlocking member that uses a single solenoid to move the guide member between positions
Data Source
AI summary
A medium transport device includes a transporting member, a medium offsetting member, a guide member, and an interlocking member. The guide member is located upstream of the transporting member in a medium transport direction. The guide member is movable between a first position, in which the guide member guides the medium toward the medium accommodating member, and a second position, in which the guide member guides the medium to a destination different from the medium accommodating member, to guide the medium. The interlocking member moves the guide member between the first position and the second position in conjunction with a movement of the medium offsetting member in a width direction of the medium offsetting member.