Adjustable Discharge Tray Structure for Higher Sheet Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium transport devices require frequent user intervention to remove media when the discharge tray reaches its capacity, leading to poor usability.
Innovation Solution
A medium transport device with a discharge unit, a detachable and attachable discharge tray, and a height adjustment member that increases the distance between the discharge unit and tray, along with lock members to secure components during transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a fixed discharge tray is used in the device main body, then the device structure is simple, but the number of sheets that can be placed is limited and usability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is segmented into a fixed portion (discharge unit) and a movable portion (placement member) that can be detached and repositioned. This segmentation allows the movable portion to be removed and stored, effectively increasing the discharge capacity when multiple trays are used sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement member is designed to move between a discharged state (extending from the device) and a stored state (retracted into the device main body). This dimensional change allows the same physical space to serve dual purposes: discharge area and storage area, effectively doubling the usable capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge tray is made detachable and height-adjustable, then the capacity and usability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The placement member serves multiple functions: it acts as a discharge tray when extended, a storage container when retracted, and can be positioned at different heights to accommodate various medium lengths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement member transitions between fixed and movable states, and between different height positions. This dynamic capability allows the same component to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring multiple separate components, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
3Reliability
If lock members are added to secure the placement member, then displacement during transport is prevented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock members are nested within the placement member structure, utilizing existing spaces and surfaces. The first lock member engages with the device main body, while the second lock member engages with the placement member itself, creating a compact locking system that does not significantly increase the overall device volume.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes a placement member including a discharge tray configured to receive a medium discharged by the discharge unit configured to discharge a medium. The placement member is attachable to and detachable from a lower portion of a device main body. The present disclosure includes a height adjustment member configured to be mountable between the placement member and the device main body. The present disclosure includes a first lock member configured to lock coupling between the device main body and the height adjustment member, and a second lock member configured to lock coupling between the height adjustment member and the placement member.