Edge Guide Alignment in Sheet Stackable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operability of sheet stackable devices is compromised due to the rotation moment affecting the edge guide, leading to reduced movability and usability when the handle is pressed to unlock the edge guide from the guide rail.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stackable device with a first edge guide that includes protrusions to contact rails and a locking part engaging with teeth, allowing for improved operability by distributing contact points along the rails, reducing sliding resistance, and preventing the edge guide from inclining, with a handle positioned between the rails to disengage the locking part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is pressed to move the edge guide along the bottom of the sheet tray, then the edge guide can be unlocked and moved, but the rotation moment produced in the edge guide causes it to incline with respect to the guide rail, reducing movability and operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contact interface between the edge guide and guide rail into multiple discrete contact points (first contact point and second contact point) instead of a single contact point. This segmentation distributes the rotation moment across multiple points, preventing the edge guide from inclining during movement while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a single contact point is used between the edge guide and guide rail, then the structure is simple, but the edge guide inclines when the handle is pressed, reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-point contact (0D) to a multi-point contact system (1D distribution along the guide rail). By adding contact points at different positions along the guide rail's length, the system distributes forces more effectively without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stackable device including a sheet stackable bin and a first edge guide is provided. The first edge guide is slidable in a first direction. The sheet stackable bin includes a first rail to guide the first edge guide, a second rails to guide the first edge guide, and teeth arranged along the first direction. The first edge guide includes a first protrusion configured to contact the first rail along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a second protrusion configured to contact the second rail, a locking part engageable with the teeth, and a handle to disengage the locking part from the teeth. The handle is arranged in a position between the first rail and the second rail with regard to the second direction.