Ejection Tray Position Control Using Elastic Counterweight
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-processing and image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the position of an ejection tray when the number of stacked printing sheets varies, requiring a strong driving force that increases manufacturing costs due to complex mechanisms like worm gears, and there is a risk of tray movement when power is discontinued.
Innovation Solution
A post-processing apparatus with a simplified moving mechanism using normal gears, an elastic member to urge the tray upward, and a detection system using an optical sensor to control the tray's position based on weight, ensuring stable operation even without continuous power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a strong driving force is applied to move the ejection tray up and down with varying loads, then the tray position can be maintained, but the driving source becomes complex and costly (requiring worm gears)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using a spring as an elastic member to provide upward force on the ejection tray. The spring acts as a counterbalancing element that offsets the weight of the tray and recording media, reducing the net load on the driving source. This allows the use of simpler, less expensive driving mechanisms (normal gears instead of worm gears) while maintaining reliable tray position control under varying loads.
2Reliability
If a strong driving source is used to handle maximum stack weight, then the tray can be moved reliably, but the driving force is excessive when the tray is empty or lightly loaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the supporting force dynamic rather than fixed. The spring provides a variable upward force that automatically adjusts according to the load on the ejection tray. When the tray is empty, the spring exerts less force; when fully loaded, it exerts more force. This dynamic adaptation allows reliable tray movement across all loading conditions without requiring an excessively powerful driving source.
3Ease of manufacture
If normal gears are used instead of worm gears, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the tray may move when power is discontinued
Solution Approach 1:
The spring acting as an elastic member provides a counterbalancing force that helps maintain tray position stability even when power is discontinued. The elastic member's upward force counteracts gravity, creating a balanced system that resists unintended movement. This allows the use of simpler normal gears instead of self-locking worm gears while still preventing tray position drift during power outages.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the ejection tray position is controlled to accommodate varying numbers of recording media, then stackability is improved, but the driving mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides dynamic load compensation that automatically adapts to varying numbers of recording media on the ejection tray. As the load changes, the spring's upward force adjusts accordingly, maintaining proper tray position without requiring complex control mechanisms. This dynamic adaptation enables versatile tray position control while keeping the moving mechanism simple and cost-effective.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for efficient and cost-effective control of the ejection tray's position, maintaining stability and reducing manufacturing costs by using a detection system to adjust for varying sheet weights, ensuring reliable operation with normal gears and minimizing tray movement when power is interrupted.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member urging the ejection tray upward in a vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
A post-processing apparatus includes an ejection tray receiving a recording medium that is ejected, an elastic member urging the ejection tray upward in a vertical direction, a moving mechanism causing the ejection tray to move up and down in the vertical direction, and a driving source driving the moving mechanism.