Manual Sheet Feed Structure With Movable Abutment Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual sheet feeding apparatuses face interference issues when the abutment member is stored within the printer body, inhibiting the compact construction of the printer.
Innovation Solution
A sheet feeding apparatus with a movable sheet feed unit and abutment member that can transition between an exposed position for feeding sheets and a stored position within the apparatus body, ensuring the abutment member moves with the unit to avoid interference during storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the abutment member is disposed in the manual sheet feeding apparatus to regulate sheet position, then sheet feeding control is improved, but the abutment member may interfere with the sheet feeding unit or printer body during storage, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment member is designed to move dynamically between an abutment position (when sheet supporting portion is exposed) and a storage position (when sheet supporting portion is retracted). This dynamic positioning allows the abutment member to clear the sheet feeding unit path during storage while maintaining its sheet regulating function during operation, resolving the interference issue without sacrificing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual sheet feeding apparatus is divided into separable components: the sheet supporting portion that can be retracted into the printer body, and the abutment member that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while minimizing interference between components during different operational states
2Volume of moving object
If the manual feed tray is closed to miniaturize the printer body, then the sheet feeding unit is stored in the interior, but the abutment member may interfere with the sheet feeding unit, inhibiting compact construction
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment member transitions from a static component to a dynamic one that can change its position based on the operational state. When the manual feed tray is closed and the sheet feeding unit is retracted, the abutment member automatically moves to its storage position, clearing the path and enabling compact construction without interference
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet supporting portion is designed to nest within the printer body when retracted, and the abutment member is positioned to nest within the available space when the sheet feeding unit is stored. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall volume of the printer body while preventing interference between components
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet supporting portion movable between a sheet supporting position and a first storage position. A sheet feed unit includes a sheet feed portion to feed the supported sheet, and an abutment member regulates movement of the sheet in a sheet feed direction by abutting against a downstream end of the sheet. An engagement member turns into an engagement state and a release state. The sheet feed unit is positioned in a sheet feed position or a waiting position and is exposed to an outside of the sheet feeding apparatus when the sheet supporting portion is in the sheet supporting position. The sheet supporting portion includes a pressing portion to turn the engagement member from the engagement state to the release state by pressing the engagement member when the sheet supporting portion moves from the sheet supporting position to the first storage position.