Stopper Unit for Large Paper Handling in Image Recorders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image recording devices face issues when handling paper sheets larger than the output tray, as they may fall, causing the device to stop feeding and preventing continuous recording until the larger sheet is removed, leading to inefficiencies in paper handling and image processing.
Innovation Solution
An image recording device with a stopper unit and control system that holds paper sheets larger than the output tray, allowing for selective notification or release based on commands for recording, ensuring efficient paper handling and continuous image recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the paper output tray is made compact to save space, then the device size is reduced, but the maximum paper sheet size that can be received is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The paper feed tray is configured to extend beyond the front surface of the paper output tray in the paper feeding direction, utilizing spatial extension in one dimension to accommodate larger paper sheets without increasing the overall device footprint in other dimensions
2Volume of moving object
If the paper output tray is made smaller, then the device becomes more compact, but paper sheets larger than the tray cannot be fully supported
Solution Approach 1:
A stopper unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the recording unit and the paper output tray. This stopper unit temporarily holds the rear end of oversized paper sheets during the recording process, preventing them from falling while allowing the compact paper output tray design to be maintained
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device stops feeding paper sheets to prevent them from falling, then paper sheet stability is improved, but continuous image recording is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper unit is designed to dynamically change its state between holding and releasing. It holds the rear end of the paper sheet during recording to prevent falling, then releases it automatically after recording completion to allow continuous feeding of the next paper sheet, thus maintaining both stability and productivity
4Stability of the object's composition
If the stopper unit holds the paper sheet, then paper sheet stability is improved, but user intervention is required to remove the sheet
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper unit is configured to automatically release the held paper sheet after the recording process is completed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention to remove the paper sheet from the stopper unit, improving ease of operation while maintaining paper sheet stability during recording
Data Source
AI summary
An image recording device including a recording unit that records an image on a paper sheet conveyed in a conveying direction along a conveyance path, a paper feed tray that feeds the paper sheet to the conveyance path, a stopper unit that holds the paper sheet to stop the conveyance of the paper sheet, a notifying unit that issues a notification requesting removal of the paper sheet held by the stopper unit, and a control unit that controls at least one of the notifying unit to issue the notification requesting the removal of the paper sheet and the stopper unit to release the paper sheet to allow the conveyance of the paper sheet, based on where an instruction for recording an image on another paper sheet is originated, when the paper sheet is held by the stopper unit.