Manual Feed Unit Extension Mechanism for Long Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack an efficient and user-friendly mechanism for opening and closing the manual feed unit, which complicates the handling and transportation of recording media, especially for longer sheets.
Innovation Solution
A double-shaft configuration for the manual feed unit, comprising an exterior member and a base member pivotably attached to the image forming apparatus body, with an extension member that can be pulled out and retracted, allowing for easy opening and closing and accommodating varying sheet lengths, facilitated by a manipulating hole or projection for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual feed unit is provided for handling recording media, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The manual feed unit is divided into two independently pivotable components: an exterior member attached via a first shaft and a base member attached via a second shaft. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled separately, enabling simplified operation while maintaining functional complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is positioned inside the exterior member, creating a nested structure where the smaller base member fits within the larger exterior member. This nesting arrangement allows both members to pivot independently on different shafts while occupying overlapping spatial volumes, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manual feed unit is designed to accommodate varying sheet lengths, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the extension mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
An extension member is provided that can be pulled out to extend the base member and retracted to reduce its length. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the manual feed unit to adapt to different recording media lengths while maintaining a compact form when the extension is retracted, balancing versatility with structural simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an opening and closing unit attached to an image forming apparatus body. The opening and closing unit includes: an exterior member pivotably attached to the image forming apparatus body via a first shaft; a base member provided inside the exterior member and pivotably attached to the image forming apparatus body via a second shaft so as to be able to move with the exterior member; and an extension member attached to the base member in a manner capable of being pulled out and retracted.