Dual-Tray Sheet Supply Mechanism for Multi-Format Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image recording apparatuses require users to replace all recording sheets of one sort with sheets of another sort, leading to cumbersome operations and potential interference or dropping of sheets during replenishment, especially when dealing with different types of recording sheets.

Innovation Solution

An image recording apparatus with a dual-tray system where one tray can change its posture to open, allowing easy replenishment of one type of sheet without displacing the other, and includes dropping prevention covers to secure sheets in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single sheet-supply tray accommodates multiple sorts of recording sheets, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users must replace all sheets of one sort with sheets of another sort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple sorts of recording sheetsVSAvoidease of replenishing recording sheets

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-supply tray is divided into multiple independent compartments (first compartment and second compartment), each capable of holding different sorts of recording sheets. This segmentation allows users to replenish only the specific compartment needing sheets, without affecting other compartments, thereby maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If recording sheets of different sorts are accommodated in the same tray, then the versatility is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential interference and dropping of sheets during replenishment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple sorts of recording sheetsVSAvoidstability of sheet placement during replenishment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating different sheet sorts into distinct compartments with independent access, the system eliminates interference between sheets of different types. Each compartment can be replenished independently, preventing dropping or misplacement of sheets during the replenishment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compartment structure acts as an intermediary barrier that isolates different sheet types. This physical separation prevents direct contact and interference between sheets of different sorts, ensuring stable placement and preventing accidental dropping during replenishment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dual-tray system is used to accommodate different sheet types, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to accommodate multiple sorts of recording sheetsVSAvoidcomplexity of sheet-supply tray structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tray is segmented into multiple compartments that can be independently accessed and replenished. This segmentation is achieved through simple partition walls and access mechanisms, adding minimal structural complexity while enabling multi-sheet-type accommodation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each compartment is designed with universal features that allow it to hold different sheet types while maintaining consistent access patterns. The standardized compartment structure reduces overall system complexity by using repeated modular units rather than custom designs for each sheet type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7883284B2Image recording apparatus

Publication Date: 2011.02.08 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image recording apparatus, including a sheet-supply tray device which accommodates and holds a plurality of recording sheets and which supplies the recording sheets, one by one, in a sheet-supply direction; and an image recording device which records an image on each of the recording sheets supplied from the sheet-supply tray device. The sheet-supply tray device includes a first tray which accommodates and holds at least one first sheet of the plurality of recording sheets; a second tray which accommodates at least one second sheet of the plurality of recording sheets, and which selectively takes a stacked posture thereof in which the second tray is stacked on the first tray, and an opening posture thereof in which at least a portion of the second tray opens at least a portion of the first tray; and at least one dropping preventing cover which prevents the at least one second sheet from dropping out of the second tray in a state in which the second tray takes the opening posture thereof.