Swingable Holder Media Conveyance with Universal Joint Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media conveying apparatuses face challenges in efficiently conveying media of varying thicknesses, as they often require complex mechanisms to adjust for different thicknesses, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of multi-feeds.
Innovation Solution
The media conveying apparatus incorporates a swingable holder that supports a separation roller, with a drive coupling system that includes a universal joint to transmit driving force efficiently. The holder's swing shaft is positioned closer to the drive shaft than the rotation shaft, allowing for reduced angular variations and increased transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a swingable holder with universal joint is used to accommodate varying media thickness, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the rotation shaft, transmits brake force via the universal joint, and swings to accommodate different media thicknesses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is made swingable about a fulcrum, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position according to the thickness of the media being conveyed. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to varying media thicknesses while maintaining a relatively simple structural design through the use of a single degree of freedom movement.
2Loss of energy
If the drive shaft is positioned closer to the swing shaft, then transmission efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft is strategically positioned at a specific location within the holder - closer to the swing shaft than the rotation shaft. This localized optimization of the drive shaft position maximizes the mechanical advantage and transmission efficiency of the brake force while concentrating the precision requirements to a specific, manageable area of the mechanism.
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
This configuration enables the apparatus to effectively convey media of varying thicknesses, including thick media like passports, while reducing the risk of multi-feeds and improving the overall efficiency of the media conveyance process.
Implementation Method 1
a drive coupling to transmit a driving force from the driving source to the drive shaft... The holder has a swing shaft about which the holder swings, and a distance between the drive shaft and the swing shaft is smaller than a distance between the rotation shaft and the swing shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A media conveying apparatus includes a roller provided rotatably around a rotation shaft, a drive shaft mechanically coupled to the rotation shaft, a holder holding the rotation shaft and the drive shaft, a driving source, and a drive coupling to transmit a driving force from the driving source to the drive shaft. The holder has a swing shaft about which the holder swings, and a distance between the drive shaft and the swing shaft is smaller than a distance between the rotation shaft and the swing shaft.