Rotating Cam Shaft Adjusts Feed Roller Operational Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses require significant operational force for inserting and removing paper trays due to direct arm support configurations, which reduces user comfort and limits adjustment freedom due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus with a rotating cam shaft in the tray storage portion that engages with both the tray and the roller support member, allowing for adjustable operational force by changing the posture of the roller support member, and featuring a separate cam shaft from the rocking shaft for greater flexibility and reduced operational force requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the paper feed roller is directly supported by an arm that is pushed upward by the paper feed cassette, then the structure is simple, but a large operational force is required and freedom in adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the paper feed cassette and the arm. The cam profile converts the linear motion of the cassette into rotational motion of the cam shaft, which then controls the arm's vertical position. This intermediary mechanism reduces the operational force required while providing adjustable engagement positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing a rotatable cam shaft with adjustable engagement positions. By varying the cam profile and engagement points, the operational force and arm movement characteristics can be optimized. This allows adjustment of the force required to insert/remove cassettes without complicating the overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the cam and cam follower engagement position is changed to adjust operational force, then operational force can be adjusted, but freedom in adjustment is limited due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cam shaft rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the engagement position between the cam and cam follower. This rotational freedom enables multiple engagement positions to be accessed without relocating components in space, thereby providing greater adjustment freedom within the same physical envelope.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a rotational dimension to the cam shaft, transforming a one-dimensional linear adjustment problem into a two-dimensional solution space. By rotating the cam shaft, the engagement position can be adjusted along the circumference, providing additional degrees of freedom for optimizing operational force without being constrained by linear space limitations.
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 solution enables easier adjustment of operational force and increased usability by allowing for a smaller operational force to lift and lower the feed roller, enhancing user comfort and flexibility in paper feeding operations, especially with multiple trays.
Implementation Method 1
a cam shaft capable of rotating is provided in the tray storage portion, in which the cam shaft is provided with a first engaging portion which engages with the tray and a second engaging portion which engages with the roller support member
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit which performs recording on a recording medium, a tray which stores the recording medium, a tray storage portion which stores the tray, a feed roller which feeds the recording medium out from the tray, and a roller support member which supports the feed roller and causes the feed roller to be lifted and lowered in relation to the tray by changing posture, in which a cam shaft capable of rotating is provided in the tray storage portion, in which the cam shaft is provided with a first engaging portion which engages with the tray and a second engaging portion which engages with the roller support member, and in which the roller support member is configured to change posture due to the tray causing the cam shaft to rotate.