Image Forming Apparatus Side Paper Discharge Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with paper discharge, as the paper exit tray is often located below the scanning unit, making it difficult for users to check or retrieve paper without bending, and the heat generated can cause paper curling and sticking, requiring a larger setting area and inconvenient paper handling.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a paper discharge tray positioned on the side of the image reading section, allowing easy access and reducing heat accumulation by locating it above the image forming section, with a design that prevents paper curling and sticking, and includes a secondary tray for flexible paper discharge options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the paper exit tray is arranged on the lower surface of the scanning unit, then the space for setting the MFP is reduced, but the user cannot check or take out the paper without stooping down, and heat accumulation causes paper curling and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The paper exit tray is repositioned from the lower surface (vertical dimension) to the side surface (horizontal dimension) of the main body, changing the spatial arrangement from a two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional configuration. This allows the tray to extend laterally rather than downward, making paper accessible to users standing beside the device without requiring them to stoop or bend, while still maintaining compact overall dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If the paper exit tray is arranged on the lower surface of the scanning unit, then the space for setting the MFP is reduced, but heat accumulation causes paper curling and sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The paper exit tray is extracted from the heat-prone lower surface area near the scanning unit and relocated to the side surface of the main body, which is positioned away from the heat-generating components. This separation removes the paper discharge location from the harmful thermal environment, preventing paper curling and sticking while maintaining the compact footprint of the device.
3Ease of operation
If the main body is made larger to accommodate the paper discharge tray on the side, then ease of paper retrieval is improved, but the setting area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The paper exit tray is designed as a movable or adjustable component on the side surface, allowing it to extend outward when needed for paper discharge and retract or fold when not in use. This dynamic configuration provides easy access to paper for users while minimizing the occupied setting area when the tray is not actively being used, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The one embodiment of present invention provides an image forming apparatus including a memory unit that stores image data, a main control block that causes an image forming section to output an output image onto an output medium on the basis of the image data generated by an image reading section and stored in the memory unit, case members that houses any one of the memory unit and the main control block or both, respectively, and a cooling mechanism that is located in a predetermined position of the case members and guides an air flow that has passes through one case member to the other case member.