Bypass Feeder Tray Inclination Control With Concealed Linear Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bypass feeders face issues where sheets slide off the feeding tray when the openable member is opened due to the tray's inclination, and the exposed linear member poses a risk of contact with users or objects.

Innovation Solution

A bypass feeder design with a linear member accommodated inside the tray, using a tension spring and pulley system to maintain the tray's inclination and prevent sheet sliding, while hiding the member within the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the bypass feeding tray is allowed to open freely with the openable member, then the tray can be accessed for sheet removal, but the placement face becomes downward inclined causing sheets to slide off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray accessibilityVSAvoidtray inclination state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The linear member is extracted from the external environment and accommodated inside the bypass feeding tray. This eliminates the safety hazard of exposed linear members while maintaining the tray's mechanical functionality. The linear member runs through the tray structure, with portions hidden inside the tray body, preventing user contact while preserving the tray's ability to open and close.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear member is nested within the bypass feeding tray structure. The tray body contains and conceals the linear member, integrating the functional element into the structural component. This nesting approach hides the linear member during normal operation and tray opening, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the linear member is exposed outside the apparatus, then the tray mechanism can function, but the linear member may touch persons or objects causing damage or aesthetic impairment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray mechanism functionalityVSAvoidsafety hazard from exposed linear member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The linear member is extracted from the external environment and accommodated inside the bypass feeding tray. This eliminates the safety hazard of exposed linear members while maintaining the tray's mechanical functionality. The linear member runs through the tray structure, with portions hidden inside the tray body, preventing user contact while preserving the tray's ability to open and close.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear member is nested within the bypass feeding tray structure. The tray body contains and conceals the linear member, integrating the functional element into the structural component. This nesting approach hides the linear member during normal operation and tray opening, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the linear member is made taut to prevent tray turning, then the tray position is secured, but the linear member may become exposed outside the apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray position stabilityVSAvoidlinear member exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The linear member is nested within the bypass feeding tray structure. The tray body contains and conceals the linear member, integrating the functional element into the structural component. This nesting approach hides the linear member during normal operation and tray opening, eliminating safety hazards while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The linear member is routed through the thickness dimension of the tray body rather than extending externally. By moving the linear member from an external linear path to an internal path through the tray's three-dimensional structure, the design secures the member while preventing exposure. The linear member passes through holes or channels in the tray body, utilizing the vertical dimension to hide the member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12421060B2Bypass feeder and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

A bypass feeder for feeding a sheet to an apparatus includes an openable member, a bypass feeding tray, and a linear member. The openable member is to be attached to the apparatus such that an upper portion of the openable member opens and closes. The bypass feeding tray is attached to the openable member such that an upper portion of the bypass feeding tray opens and closes. The linear member has a first end held by a first end holder of the bypass feeding tray and a second end held by a second end holder of the apparatus. The linear member has a portion accommodated inside the bypass feeding tray when the bypass feeding tray is open. The portion ranges from the first end to an inside of the apparatus or an inside of the openable member.