Elastic Tray Protrusion for Transport Apparatus Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport apparatuses for sheet-like articles, such as printing paper, have complex assembly processes due to protrusions and fitting portions that require precise alignment of the rotation axis and additional protrusions, making the assembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A transport apparatus with a support tray that rotates between open and closed states, featuring an elastic tray protrusion that crosses over a main-body contact portion to stabilize the tray in both states, eliminating the need for separate fitting of protrusions and simplifying assembly by using a rotation axis and arc-like portions with integrated tray protrusions and fan-like features for controlled elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a protrusion is added to the paper tray and a fitting portion is added to the main body for precise positioning, then the stationary positioning accuracy is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion and rotation axis are merged into a single integrated structure on the paper tray. The rotation axis extends from the tray main body in the axial direction, and the protrusion extends in the radial direction, eliminating the need for separate fitting operations and simplifying assembly while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation axis serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotation support, provides positioning in the axial direction, and works in conjunction with the protrusion for radial positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed for assembly
2Reliability
If the protrusion protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis, then the stationary positioning is achieved, but the assembly process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion and rotation axis are merged into a single integrated structure on the paper tray. The rotation axis extends from the tray main body in the axial direction, and the protrusion extends in the radial direction, eliminating the need for separate fitting operations and simplifying assembly while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent directions: axial positioning by the rotation axis and radial positioning by the protrusion. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in shape while collectively achieving accurate three-dimensional positioning
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 ensures the support tray remains stationary in both open and closed states, preventing accidental opening or closing during handling and simplifying the assembly process by integrating the tray protrusion with the rotation mechanism, providing secure positioning and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the tray protrusion elastically crosses over the main-body contact portion to come into contact with the main-body contact portion
Data Source
AI summary
A transport apparatus for transporting a sheet-like article includes an apparatus main body, and a support tray that rotates between open and closed states defined with respect to the apparatus main body. The support tray supports the article during the open state. The support tray includes a flat tray main body, a rotation axis extending from the tray main body in an axial direction of the rotation. The rotation axis is axially supported by the apparatus main body, and an elastic tray protrusion protrudes from the tray main body in a radial direction of the rotation, the apparatus main body having a main-body contact portion facing the tray protrusion. When the support tray rotates relative to the apparatus main body, the tray protrusion elastically crosses over the main-body contact portion to contact the main-body contact portion. The rotation of the support tray stops relative to the apparatus main body.