Auto-Opening Reading Unit for Easier Paper Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require manual opening of the image reading part to retrieve discharged recording paper, which is time-consuming and effort-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a biasing support part and turning regulating part that automatically opens the reading part to expose the discharge tray, allowing easy access to discharged media without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the reading part is kept closed to maintain a compact structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user must manually open the reading part to retrieve discharged media, increasing the time and effort required for paper removal
Solution Approach 1:
The reading part is automatically opened in advance before the user needs to retrieve the discharged media. The biasing support part continuously applies a biasing force to the reading part, and the turning regulating part releases this force at an appropriate timing, causing the reading part to open automatically without requiring manual intervention from the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the opening action of the reading part autonomously based on the discharge state of the medium. When the medium is discharged onto the discharge tray, the turning regulating part disengages from the reading part, allowing the biasing support part to automatically open the reading part, thus the system serves itself without user intervention.
2Extent of automation
If the reading part is automatically opened to facilitate easy media retrieval, then the ease of operation is improved, but additional components (biasing support part and turning regulating part) increase the device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing support part serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the reading part, applies continuous biasing force to keep the reading part in a ready state, and works in conjunction with the turning regulating part to enable automatic opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning regulating part acts as an intermediary between the biasing support part and the reading part. It regulates the turning motion by engaging with the reading part during normal operation and disengaging when automatic opening is required, mediating the interaction between the biasing force and the reading part's movement.
3Loss of time
If the reading part remains closed during medium discharge, then the structure remains compact, but the discharged medium cannot be easily accessed, increasing the time required for retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The reading part opens automatically in advance before the user needs to access the discharged medium. The biasing support part continuously applies biasing force, and the turning regulating part releases it at the moment of discharge, causing the reading part to open automatically and expose the discharge tray before user intervention is needed.
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
Facilitates quick and effortless retrieval of discharged media by automating the opening of the reading part, reducing user effort and time required for paper removal.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing support part is provided between the image forming part and the reading part, and biases the reading part from the closed position toward the opened position
Implementation Method 2
The turning regulating part is engaged with the reading part disposed at the closed position and regulates a turning of the reading part, which is applied with a biasing force of the biasing support part, toward the opened position
Implementation Method 3
When the medium is discharged from the image forming part to the discharge tray, the turning regulating part is disengaged with the reading part, and allows the turning of the reading part toward the opened position
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes an image forming part (2), a discharge tray (5), a reading part (3), a biasing support part (20), and a turning regulating part (30). The discharge tray (5) is disposed above the image forming part (2). The reading part (3) is turnably supported on an upper portion of the image forming part (2) between a closed position and an opened position. The biasing support part (20) biases the reading part (3) from the closed position toward the opened position. The turning regulating part (20) is engaged with the reading part (3) disposed at the closed position and regulates a turning of the reading part (3), which is applied with a biasing force of the biasing support part (20), toward the opened position. When the medium is discharged from the image forming part (2) to the discharge tray (5), the turning regulating part (30) is disengaged with the reading part (3), and allows the turning of the reading part (3) toward the opened position.