Elastic Latch Operating Portion for Retractable Tray Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper feeding cassettes require space for vertical adjustment of trays, which can be restrictive in limited installations, and existing fixing mechanisms complicate the operation of fixing or releasing the sliding cassette.
Innovation Solution
A retractable tray fixing device with a latch system that includes a beam portion, a knob portion, a claw portion, and an elastically deformable latch operating portion, allowing for easy adjustment and fixing of the trays using a simple fingertip operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixing portion with recessed portions and protruding portions is used to adjust paper storage space, then the tray size can be adjusted according to paper size, but vertical separation space is required for position adjustment which restricts installation in limited narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch operating portion utilizes elastic deformation in a different dimensional aspect (lateral bending) to achieve the fixing function, eliminating the need for vertical separation space. The elastic component deforms laterally when actuated, allowing the latch to engage or disengage from the through hole without requiring vertical movement space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vertical separation mechanism with an elastic deformation-based locking mechanism. Instead of requiring physical separation of trays to adjust position, the system uses elastic deformation of the latch operating portion to achieve fixing and releasing functions.
2Reliability
If existing fixing mechanisms with multiple components are used, then the tray can be fixed, but the operation of fixing or releasing becomes complicated and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The latch and latch operating portion are merged into a single integrated component structure. The latch operating portion is directly connected to the latch, combining multiple functions (actuation, locking, and position indication) into one unified mechanism that can be operated with a single fingertip press.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic latch operating portion automatically returns to its original position after deformation, providing self-resetting functionality. When the operator releases the latch, the elastic component automatically restores its shape and re-engages the latch with the through hole without requiring manual intervention.
3Area of stationary object
If a latch system with elastic deformation is used, then space is saved and operation is simplified, but the latch must be designed to be elastically deformable which adds design constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The latch operating portion is designed with specific elastic properties (material selection, geometric dimensions) to achieve the required deformation characteristics. By optimizing parameters such as the thickness, width, and length of the elastic component, the design achieves reliable elastic deformation within standard manufacturing tolerances.
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 enables space-saving by eliminating the need for vertical tray adjustment and simplifies the operation of fixing and releasing the trays, reducing the number of components and achieving cost reduction.
Implementation Method 1
a latch operating portion (3) that is made of an elastically deformable constituent material, connected to the knob portion (5) of the latch (1), and operated by an operator's fingertip operation to insert and remove the claw portion (2) into and from the through hole (7)
Data Source
AI summary
A latch operating portion, which is made of an elastically deformable constituent material, connected to a knob portion of a latch, and operated by an operator to insert and remove a claw portion provided at a latch beam portion into and from a through hole of trays, is provided, and in a case in which the knob portion is pushed toward a wall portion by a fingertip operation to elastically deform the constituent material, the latch operating portion separates the claw portion from the through hole, restores the elastically deformed constituent material to its original shape when the fingertip is released, and inserts the claw portion into the through hole.