Document Feeding Device Opposite Tray Arrangement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing document feeding devices face difficulties in placing documents on the document placing tray due to the obstruction caused by the document ejection tray, which is typically positioned above, making it hard to access the tray for document placement.

Innovation Solution

The document feeding device is designed with a first nip position for the ejection rollers arranged opposite to the document placing tray, allowing the document ejection tray to shift to the same side, creating an uncovered portion above the placing tray, enabling easier document placement by exposing the tray area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the document ejection tray is disposed above the document placing tray, then the device structure is compact, but it becomes difficult to place documents on the document placing tray

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure compactnessVSAvoiddocument placement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a vertical stacking configuration to a horizontal distribution configuration. By positioning the ejection tray and placing tray on opposite sides of the separating mechanism rather than stacking them vertically, the invention creates lateral separation that provides adequate access space for document placement while maintaining a compact overall footprint through optimized horizontal space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning where the ejection tray and placing tray are arranged on opposite sides of the separating mechanism rather than in a symmetric vertical stack. This asymmetric horizontal arrangement creates unequal access zones that facilitate easier document placement on the placing tray while the ejection tray maintains its functional position, resolving the contradiction between compactness and operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If the document ejection tray covers the upper side above the document placing tray, then space utilization is improved, but the operability of placing documents deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddocument placement operability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical space utilization (stacking trays vertically) to horizontal space utilization (distributing trays laterally on opposite sides of the separating mechanism). This dimensional shift provides adequate access space for document placement operations while maintaining efficient space utilization through optimized horizontal arrangement, eliminating the coverage obstruction problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS7931271B2Document feeding device with oppositely arranged document placing and ejection trays

Publication Date: 2011.04.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A document feeding device includes: a document placing tray; a document ejection tray disposed above the document placing tray; a feeding path; a separating mechanism; and ejection rollers. A nip position of the ejection rollers is arranged in a side opposite to a side where the document placing tray is arranged with reference to a vertical plane passing through a separation position of the separating mechanism.