Feed Tray Latch Structure to Prevent Accidental Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium conveyance apparatuses face challenges in reducing size and improving user convenience when not in use, as they often require complex locking mechanisms and are prone to accidental opening due to manufacturing variations.
Innovation Solution
A medium conveyance apparatus with a feed tray that has an engagement part and a to-be-engaged portion, along with contact portions that restrict movement and maintain the closed state, simplifying the structure and reducing the risk of accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to maintain the closed state, then the reliability of maintaining closed state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the locking mechanism into a simple engagement part with a single engagement point. By removing unnecessary complex locking components and retaining only the critical engagement feature, the design achieves reliable closed state maintenance with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement part is designed to automatically engage with the frame when the placing table is closed, without requiring additional locking actions or complex mechanisms. The simple engagement structure self-secures the closed state through its inherent geometric relationship with the frame, eliminating the need for elaborate locking systems.
2Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of maintaining closed state deteriorates due to accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The contact portion acts as an intermediary element between the placing table and the frame. When the placing table is in the closed state, the contact portion contacts the frame to restrict movement, thereby preventing accidental opening without requiring a complex locking mechanism. This intermediary contact provides stable maintenance of the closed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement part is positioned in advance to automatically engage with the frame when the placing table is closed. This preliminary engagement action ensures that the closed state is maintained from the moment of closure, preventing accidental opening before it can occur without requiring continuous complex locking action.
3Volume of moving object
If the placing table is made openable and closable to reduce size, then the volume is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The placing table is designed with dynamic engagement characteristics where the engagement part can be easily detached when needed. The simple engagement structure allows for quick opening and closing operations while maintaining compact storage volume. The dynamic nature of the engagement enables easy detachment without requiring complex locking mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium conveyance apparatus includes a housing having a frame, a placing table provided on the housing to be openable and closeable and configured to place a medium when the placing table is in an opened state, a to-be-engaged portion provided on the frame, an engagement part provided on at least one side of the placing table to face the to-be-engaged portion when the placing table is in a closed state, a to-be-contacted portion provided on the frame, and a contact portion provided on the placing table. In the medium conveyance apparatus, when the placing table is in the closed state, the engagement part engages with the to-be-engaged portion and maintains the closed state of the placing table. In the medium conveyance apparatus, when the placing table is in the closed state, the contact portion contacts the to-be-contacted portion and restricts movement of the placing table and thereby restricting separation of the engagement part from the to-be-engaged portion.