Inclined Support for Extension Sheet Stacker Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet feeding devices are prone to deformation when a downward load is applied to the extension sheet stacker, as the support structure is not adequately designed to resist bending moments.

Innovation Solution

The sheet feeding device incorporates a support with an inclined portion that extends diagonally in the sheet conveyance direction, providing additional structural integrity and distributing the load more effectively to prevent deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple support structure is used to connect the extension sheet stacker to the sheet stacker, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the support is deformed when a downward load is applied to the extension sheet stacker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structureVSAvoidsupport deformation resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a conventional horizontal or vertical configuration to an inclined configuration that extends diagonally from the sheet stacker to the extension sheet stacker. This dimensional change in orientation allows the support to effectively resist downward loads by distributing forces along its inclined axis, preventing deformation while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure employs an asymmetric inclined configuration rather than a symmetric vertical or horizontal arrangement. The inclination angle and diagonal extension create an asymmetric geometry that optimally counteracts the downward load applied to the extension sheet stacker, providing enhanced strength without increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the support structure is reinforced to prevent deformation under load, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stability under loadVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the support's orientation to an inclined diagonal configuration, the structure achieves enhanced stability and load-bearing capacity without adding complexity. The inclined geometry naturally distributes forces more effectively, providing reliability improvement through geometric optimization rather than structural reinforcement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure utilizes parameter changes in its geometric configuration, specifically the inclination angle and diagonal extension length. By optimizing these parameters, the support achieves maximum stability and load resistance with a simple structure, avoiding the need for complex reinforcement while maintaining high reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12312192B2Sheet feeding device and image forming system incorporating the sheet feeding device
Publication Date: 2025.05.27 RICOH CO LTD
  • US12312192B2 patent drawing
  • US12312192B2 patent drawing
  • US12312192B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A sheet feeding device includes a housing, a sheet stacker, a stacker elevator, an extension sheet stacker, and a support. The sheet stacker is included in the housing and is configured to stack a sheet. The stacker elevator is configured to elevate the sheet stacker. The extension sheet stacker is attached to the sheet stacker and is configured to extend outward from the housing. The support is configured to support the extension sheet stacker and has an inclined portion configured to diagonally extend in a sheet conveyance direction, to the housing from a position upstream from a center of the extension sheet stacker in the sheet conveyance direction, when viewed from a width direction of the sheet.