Synchronous Guide Mechanism for Printer Jam Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the unjamming process in image forming apparatuses, such as printers, requires users to turn multiple components separately, leading to inferior operability due to the multi-step procedure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a first and second guide member that can be moved between closed and opening positions, allowing the second guide member to be opened synchronously with the first guide member, simplifying the unjamming process by enabling the user to open both the conveying and reverse paths with a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple guide members are provided separately for opening the conveying path and reverse path, then the paths can be opened independently, but the user must turn multiple components separately which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple guide members (first guide member for conveying path and second guide member for reverse path) into a single integrated guide member structure. This unified guide member can be turned by the user to simultaneously open both the conveying path and reverse path, eliminating the need to manipulate multiple separate components and thereby improving ease of operation.
2Productivity
If multiple guide members are turned separately, then each path can be opened precisely, but the unjamming process requires multiple steps which reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple guide members into a single integrated structure that can be operated with one turning motion. This allows the user to open both the conveying path and reverse path simultaneously in a single step, significantly reducing the time required for the unjamming process and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide member is designed to automatically open both the conveying path and reverse path in the correct sequence when turned by the user. The structure is pre-configured so that the user's single turning action automatically performs the necessary operations of opening both paths, eliminating the need for the user to execute multiple separate steps.
3Device complexity
If multiple guide members are provided, then the conveying and reverse paths can be controlled independently, but the overall device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple guide member functions into a single unified structure. This integrated guide member maintains the ability to control both the conveying path and reverse path independently through its internal mechanism, while presenting a simple single-component interface to the user for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls the opening of the conveying path, controls the opening of the reverse path, and provides a single user interface for operation. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining full control over both paths.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveying path, a reverse path, a first guide member and a second guide member. The conveying path conveys a sheet to a discharge part. The reverse path conveys the sheet again to the image forming part. The first guide member is provided movably between a first closed position for forming the conveying path and a first opening position for opening the conveying path. The second guide member is provided movably between a second closed position for forming the reverse path and a second opening position for opening the reverse path. The first guide member contacts with the second guide member in a process of moving from the first closed position to the first opening position and moves the second guide member from the second closed position to the second opening position.