Front-Accessible Document Edge Guide for Compact Image Readers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with an image reader in the upper portion face poor operability of the document edge guide due to its location on the rear side, making installation in spaces with limited upper space difficult.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed to feed and discharge sheets and documents from opposite directions, with an extractable tray and document edge guide accessible from the front side, featuring a movable document edge guide and an operation section on the front side for easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document edge guide is positioned on the rear side of the apparatus to enable front-side operation, then the apparatus can be installed in narrow spaces, but the operability of the document edge guide deteriorates because it becomes difficult to access from the front side
Solution Approach 1:
The document edge guide is made movable in the width direction through a moving mechanism, allowing it to be adjusted to different positions. This dynamic capability enables the guide to be positioned for optimal accessibility while maintaining the apparatus's compact front-side operation design, thus resolving the contradiction between installation flexibility and operational ease.
2Area of stationary object
If the image reader is disposed in the upper portion of the apparatus to save space, then the apparatus footprint is reduced, but the document edge guide becomes inaccessible from the front side when installed on shelves with limited upper space
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the document edge guide's operational interface from the vertical dimension (upper portion) to the horizontal dimension (front side) by positioning the moving mechanism and guide on the tray that extends to the front. This dimensional transition allows users to access and operate the guide from the front side while maintaining the space-saving upper portion configuration.
3Device complexity
If the document edge guide is fixed in position to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different document widths and user needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The document edge guide is designed with a moving mechanism that allows it to be adjusted in the width direction. This dynamic design provides adaptability to different document widths and user preferences while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of a straightforward moving mechanism, thus balancing complexity and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus body section and an image reader, the image reader being provided in an upper portion of the image forming apparatus body section, and including a body tray, an extractable tray that is extractable with respect to the body tray toward a first direction side from a stored position to an extracted position, and a document edge guide that is movable in a width direction, the document edge guide being configured to be operable from the first direction side.