Compact Multi-Tray Image Recording Device Sheet Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording devices with multiple trays often increase in horizontal size due to the need for additional guide members to manage sheets, which complicates the design and increases the device's footprint.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a configuration where trays are stacked vertically, utilizing a minimal number of guide members, including inclined plates and feed rollers, to feed sheets to a recording unit while maintaining a compact size, with the outer member and inner member guiding the sheets through U-shaped paths to prevent horizontal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple guide members are arranged horizontally side by side to separate different sheet paths, then sheet guidance is improved, but the device size increases horizontally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of guide members to vertical stacking of trays. Multiple trays are arranged vertically one above another, with sheet paths extending upward and then forward to the recording unit. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical space utilization allows multiple trays to coexist without increasing horizontal device footprint, while maintaining reliable sheet guidance through the vertical path structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested positioning where the second tray is disposed within the horizontal footprint of the first tray. The vertical plate of each tray extends upward and positions the next tray above it, creating a nested vertical arrangement. This nesting allows multiple trays to occupy the same horizontal space at different vertical levels, preventing horizontal expansion while enabling multi-tray functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If trays are stacked vertically to reduce horizontal size, then device compactness is improved, but sheet feeding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single outer guide member that serves multiple functions: it guides sheets from the first tray, guides sheets from the second tray, and provides structural support for the vertical arrangement. This universal guide member handles sheet paths from multiple vertically stacked trays without requiring separate dedicated guide members for each tray, thereby reducing overall mechanism complexity despite the vertical stacking configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sheet feeding function into separate feeders for each tray (first feeder for first tray, second feeder for second tray), with each feeder independently contacting and feeding sheets from its respective tray. This segmentation allows each feeder to be optimized for its specific tray while maintaining simple individual feeding mechanisms, reducing the complexity of coordinating a single complex feeder system for multiple trays.
3Area of stationary object
If vertical stacking of trays is implemented, then device footprint is reduced, but sheet alignment precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical dimension to the sheet path by extending paths upward from horizontally stacked trays to vertically stacked trays. The vertical plate structure and upward-extending sheet paths create a controlled vertical transition that maintains horizontal alignment precision. Sheets are fed horizontally from each tray, then guided upward by vertical surfaces, ensuring precise alignment is maintained throughout the vertical stacking configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical plates as intermediary structures between horizontally stacked trays. These vertical plates provide guided transition surfaces that mediate the sheet's movement from horizontal tray positioning to vertical stacking arrangement. The vertical plates ensure sheets maintain proper alignment during the transition, preventing misalignment that might occur with direct vertical stacking without intermediate guiding structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member.