Variable Friction Paper Feed Apparatus for Double Feeding Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper feed apparatuses face issues with double feeding due to overlapping sheets, particularly when the coefficient of friction between sheets and the surface state is high, leading to inadequate separation by fixed friction sections, which can result in sheets being conveyed to rollers and causing undesired double feeding.
Innovation Solution
A paper feed apparatus comprising a delivery section, a separation section, an abutting section, and a friction force variable section, where the friction force variable section adjusts the friction force against the sheets to prevent double feeding by varying the energizing force applied to the abutting section, allowing for effective separation of overlapping sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed friction section is used to separate overlapping sheets, then the structure is simple, but double feeding occurs when the coefficient of friction between sheets is high
Solution Approach 1:
The friction force variable section dynamically adjusts the friction force applied to overlapping sheets based on detected friction coefficients. The friction force is varied between a first value (when friction coefficient is low) and a second value (when friction coefficient is high), enabling reliable separation under different sheet conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the friction force parameter from a fixed value to a variable value based on the detected friction coefficient. The friction force variable section modifies the friction force applied to the sheets according to the detected coefficient of friction, allowing the system to adapt to different sheet materials and surface states, thereby preventing double feeding without significantly complicating the device structure.
2Reliability
If friction force is increased to prevent double feeding, then separation reliability improves, but sheet damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The friction force is dynamically adjusted based on the detected friction coefficient between sheets. When the friction coefficient is high, a larger friction force (second value) is applied to prevent double feeding. When the friction coefficient is low, a smaller friction force (first value) is applied to avoid sheet damage. This adaptive parameter adjustment ensures reliable separation while minimizing harmful effects on the sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects the friction coefficient between overlapping sheets and uses this information to feedback-control the friction force applied by the friction force variable section. This closed-loop control ensures that the friction force is optimized for each specific sheet condition, preventing both double feeding and sheet damage.
3Strength
If friction force is decreased to prevent sheet damage, then sheet integrity is maintained, but double feeding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The friction force variable section adjusts the friction force parameter based on the detected friction coefficient. For sheets with high friction coefficients, a larger friction force is applied to ensure separation. For sheets with low friction coefficients, a smaller friction force is applied to maintain sheet integrity. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between preventing double feeding and avoiding sheet damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static friction force to a dynamic friction force that adapts to different sheet conditions. The friction force is varied in real-time based on the detected friction coefficient, allowing the system to optimize separation performance for each sheet type while maintaining sheet integrity.
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 friction force variable section effectively separates overlapping sheets, reducing the occurrence of double feeding and preventing sheet damage by dynamically adjusting the friction force based on sheet type and environmental conditions, ensuring reliable sheet conveyance.
Implementation Method 1
The friction force variable section applies a friction force to the image receiving medium sent out from the pickup roller
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an embodiment, a paper feed apparatus comprises a paper feed section, a separation section, an abutting section and a friction force variable section. The paper feed section feeds an image receiving medium. The separation section is arranged at the downstream side of the paper feed section in a conveyance direction of the image receiving medium. In a case in which a plurality of the image receiving media fed from the paper feed section is overlapped, the separation section separates the plurality of the image receiving media that is overlapped. The abutting section abuts against the image receiving medium fed from the paper feed section. The friction force variable section changes a friction force of the abutting section against the image receiving medium.