Image Forming Apparatus Sorting Ejection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in compact design due to the need for multiple trays and paper ejection mechanisms, which increase the size and complexity of the device.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a primary conveyance section, a first diverging section, a secondary conveyance section, and a sorting ejection section, with a housing that includes an opening to allow for efficient paper conveyance and sorting, enabling face-up ejection and reducing the overall height while maintaining a simple configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trays and paper ejection mechanisms are added to enable sorting and ejection functions, then the functionality and versatility of the image forming apparatus is improved, but the device complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting and ejection functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sorting and ejection functions into a single integrated sorting ejection section, eliminating the need for separate trays and ejection mechanisms. The convection path is designed to merge multiple paper streams into a single ejection point, reducing structural complexity while maintaining sorting functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sorting ejection section is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both sorting and ejection operations simultaneously. The single ejection port serves multiple purposes by handling papers from different sources and destinations, thereby reducing the overall number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting and ejection functionalityVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple paper conveyance paths into a single compact sorting ejection section, significantly reducing the space required for sorting and ejection operations. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate tray structures, thereby reducing the overall apparatus volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical stacking of the image forming section, primary conveyance section, and sorting ejection section to optimize space utilization. By arranging components in a vertical dimension rather than horizontal expansion, the apparatus achieves compact size while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If the secondary conveyance section conveys paper through the housing opening to the proximal end of the sorting ejection section, then the paper conveyance efficiency is improved, but the housing structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper conveyance efficiencyVSAvoidhousing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the paper conveyance function from the traditional internal housing structure by providing an external opening through which the secondary conveyance section delivers paper directly to the sorting ejection section. This external conveyance approach simplifies the internal housing structure while maintaining conveyance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The opening in the housing acts as an intermediary interface between the secondary conveyance section and the sorting ejection section. This opening enables direct paper transfer without requiring complex internal conveyance mechanisms, thereby simplifying the housing structure while maintaining efficient paper flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10061253B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2018.08.28 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a primary conveyance section, a first diverging section, a sorting ejection section, a secondary conveyance section, and a housing. The first diverging section is located downstream of the image forming section in a paper conveyance direction in the primary conveyance section. The secondary conveyance section diverges from the primary conveyance section at the first diverging section. The sorting ejection section sorts and ejects the paper conveyed thereto by the secondary conveyance section. The housing constitutes an apparatus main body and houses the image forming section, the primary conveyance section, the first diverging section, and part of the secondary conveyance section. One side wall of a plurality of side walls of the housing has an opening. The secondary conveyance section conveys the paper to a proximal end of the sorting ejection section through the opening.