Detachable Print Medium Stacking Unit with Pivotal Cover
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunctional image forming apparatuses have a large size due to the size of their main components, making it difficult to reduce the size of the print medium stacking unit effectively.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a detachable print medium stacking unit that includes a base frame, a pivotally connected cover, and a plate, allowing for variable length support and reduced space occupation, while preventing misfeeding of print media through pivot restricting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the print medium stacking unit is made detachable with variable length support, then the overall size of the apparatus is reduced and space usage is optimized, but the structural complexity increases due to the need for pivot connection mechanisms and angle restriction components
Solution Approach 1:
The print medium stacking unit is divided into separable components including a base frame, a cover, and a plate that can be detached from the main apparatus body. This segmentation allows the stacking unit to be stored or removed when not in use, significantly reducing the overall occupied space while maintaining full functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with a pivotal connection to the base frame, allowing it to rotate and adjust its position. This dynamic mechanism enables the cover to move between a closed position for supporting print media and an open position for access, providing adaptability without requiring complex fixed structural arrangements.
2Ease of operation
If the cover is allowed to move freely for easy access to print media, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential misfeeding of print media
Solution Approach 1:
The cover utilizes a pivotal connection mechanism that provides controlled movement. It can be easily opened and closed for accessing print media, yet the rotation is constrained to a specific angular range that prevents excessive movement which could cause misfeeding, thus balancing ease of operation with feeding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular position of the cover is restricted within a specific range during its pivotal movement. By controlling the parameter of rotation angle, the system ensures that the cover can move sufficiently for easy access while preventing movement beyond the safe range that would cause print media misfeeding, thereby maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A paper stacking unit and an image forming apparatus having the same, the paper stacking unit including: a base frame supporting a print media, a cover pivotally connected to the base frame and supporting the print media together with the base frame, and a plate connected to the cover for auxiliarily supporting the print media.