Locking Mechanism for Dynamic Retentive Force in Medium Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium support devices in recording apparatuses face challenges in maintaining an appropriate attitude when supporting multiple media, as the retentive forces required to extend and retract the support members can be inconveniently strong, leading to operational difficulties for users.
Innovation Solution
A medium support device with a locking mechanism that allows the first and second support sections to transition between positions, minimizing the retentive force needed to extend the support surface, enabling easier operation by allowing the user to extend the support surface at a reduced operating force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retentive force is increased to maintain the support surface in the retracted position, then the support stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the strong force required to extend the support
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically changes the retentive force characteristics based on the operational state. During extension, the mechanism allows the support surface to move freely once the locking engagement is broken. During retraction, the mechanism automatically re-engages to provide strong retentive force. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing high stability when needed (retracted state) and low resistance when needed (extension state), without requiring the user to overcome consistently high retentive force throughout the entire operation cycle
2Ease of operation
If the support surface is extended without proper sequence control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage to the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically break the locking engagement in advance before the support surface fully extends. This preliminary action prevents the support surface from extending while still locked, which would cause damage. The mechanism proactively disengages the lock during the extension process, allowing smooth operation while protecting the locking mechanism from damage, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A medium support device includes: a first support section that transits between a first position and a second position relative to a main body; a second support section that transits between a retracted position and a protruding position relative to the first support section; and a locking mechanism configured to set a lock the second support section. When the first support section is in the first position and the second support section is retracted into the first support section, the retracted state is formed. When the first support section is in the second position and the second support section protrudes from the first support, the extended state is formed. The locking mechanism locks the second support section retracted into the first support section when the first support section is in the first position and releases the lock when the first support section is in the second position.