Wave-Shaped Output Opening for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with sheet output, where the wave-like shape of the sheet can cause paper jams and allow foreign objects to enter, due to the mismatch between the sheet's corrugation and the output opening, leading to potential damage to internal devices.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates an output unit that forms a wave-like shape in the recording medium and a corresponding shield cover with a wave-shaped opening, ensuring the sheet's corrugation does not contact the opening edges and preventing foreign objects from entering, while maintaining sheet stiffness and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the output unit provides the recording medium with a wave-like shape to enhance stackability, then sheet stackability is improved, but paper jams and foreign object entry occur due to mismatch with the output opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the recording medium into a wave-like shape (corrugation) with multiple peaks and valleys. This curved configuration enhances the stiffness and stackability of the sheet while the opening is specifically designed to accommodate this wave pattern, preventing paper jams by allowing the corrugated sheet to pass through smoothly.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is designed with non-uniform dimensions that correspond to the wave-like shape of the sheet. Specifically, the opening has varying heights at different positions to match the peaks and valleys of the corrugated sheet, ensuring that the sheet can pass through without jamming while maintaining its wave shape for improved stackability.
2Strength
If the output unit provides the recording medium with a wave-like shape, then sheet stiffness is maintained, but foreign objects can enter through the output opening
Solution Approach 1:
The wave-like shape (corrugation) with multiple peaks and valleys provides structural stiffness to the sheet without requiring additional support structures. This curved configuration inherently resists bending and deformation, maintaining sheet strength while the matching opening design prevents foreign object entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wave-like shape acts as an intermediary structure between the sheet and the opening. By designing the opening to match this intermediate wave pattern, the system achieves both sheet stiffness maintenance and foreign object prevention, as the corrugated structure fills the opening space and blocks foreign objects.
3Device complexity
If a conventional output opening is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but paper jams occur due to mismatch with the wave-like sheet shape
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire output unit complex, the patent applies local quality by designing only the opening with specific non-uniform dimensions that match the wave-like sheet shape. This localized design change prevents paper jams without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the output unit, maintaining overall device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening is designed with curved boundaries that correspond to the wave-like shape of the sheet. This curved opening design, rather than a straight rectangular opening, prevents paper jams by accommodating the corrugated sheet shape, achieving improved reliability with minimal increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium, an output unit that outputs the recording medium on which the image has been formed while providing the recording medium with a wave-like shape in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a transport direction of the recording medium, and a member having an opening through which the recording medium is output. The opening has a shape corresponding to the wave-like shape of the recording medium provided by the output unit.