Lever Support Mechanism for Toner Cartridge Tray Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently supporting and guiding toner cartridge trays for easy replacement and maintenance, as they often require complex mechanisms that increase the device's size and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a support device using first and second levers, coupled with a guide rail and deviation prevention hooks, which automatically rotate to support and guide the toner cartridge tray, preventing movement in unwanted directions and allowing for easy access and replacement without increasing the device's size or volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to support and guide the toner cartridge tray, then the tray can be securely held and guided, but the device size and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two independent levers (first lever and second lever) that can rotate and position separately. Each lever has a dedicated function: the first lever supports the tray from one side while the second lever supports from the opposite side. This segmentation allows each component to be simple yet effective, avoiding the need for a single complex support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The levers are designed to rotate between a first position (when door is closed) and a second position (when door is opened). This dynamic adjustment allows the support device to adapt to different door states automatically, providing support when needed and clearing the path when the door opens, without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a complex mechanism is used to support and guide the toner cartridge tray, then the tray can be securely held and guided, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the support function into two simple, identical levers, the manufacturing process is simplified. Each lever can be produced using the same manufacturing method and then assembled, reducing tooling costs and production complexity compared to a single complex support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The levers serve multiple functions: they act as support surfaces for the tray, guide the tray movement, and automatically adjust based on door position. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable support and guidance.
3Manufacturing precision
If the support device prevents movement in unwanted directions, then the tray is guided accurately, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The levers rotate to different positions based on door state, dynamically adjusting the guidance geometry. When the door is closed, the levers are in the first position providing guidance; when the door opens, they rotate to the second position. This dynamic repositioning provides accurate guidance without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The levers act as intermediary elements between the fixed device structure and the movable tray. They translate the door opening/closing motion into corresponding tray guidance and support, mediating the interaction between these components and enabling accurate positioning through simple mechanical geometry rather than complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A support device and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The support device according to an example includes a first lever rotatably disposed at a door provided in a body of an image forming apparatus, and a first elastic member to rotate the first lever disposed at a first position based on the door being closed to a second position based on the door being opened, wherein, at the second position, the first lever supports a part of a toner cartridge tray pulled out from the body.