Removable Media Tray Magnetic Latching and Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Media trays for imaging devices often require excessive force to open, exceeding the 22.2 N limit set by Section 508, while also needing a high latching force to prevent accidental opening during media picking operations.
Innovation Solution
A removable media tray assembly with a handle mechanism that uses a link system to provide a low actuation force for opening, while maintaining a high latching force, utilizing a magnet and ferromagnetic plate for latching and a biasing member to ensure the tray remains closed during media feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If spring-loaded latching devices are used to hold the media tray in place, then the latching force is sufficient to prevent accidental opening during media picking, but the opening force required to overcome the latching force exceeds the 22.2 N limit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-loaded mechanical latching device with a magnetic latching system. The magnet provides the latching force to hold the media tray in place, while the ferromagnetic plate on the tray interacts with the magnet to create the latching effect. This substitution eliminates the need for complex spring mechanisms and reduces the opening force requirement to comply with accessibility standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latching mechanism from a mechanical spring system to a magnetic field-based system. By adjusting the strength and position of the magnet and the properties of the ferromagnetic plate, the latching force can be optimized to provide sufficient holding force while requiring minimal opening force, thereby resolving the contradiction between high latching force and low opening force.
2Ease of operation
If the media tray is designed to require low opening force to meet accessibility standards, then ease of operation is improved, but the latching force may be insufficient to prevent accidental opening during media picking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ferromagnetic plate as an intermediary element between the user's opening action and the magnetic latching mechanism. When the user applies force to open the tray, the ferromagnetic plate interacts with the magnet, allowing for controlled release of the latching force. This intermediary enables the system to maintain strong latching during normal operation while allowing easy opening when intentionally actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latching system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The magnet and ferromagnetic plate create a latching force that can be easily overcome with minimal force, providing both secure holding during media picking and easy release when needed. The system adapts its effective strength based on the applied force, maintaining reliability while enabling accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the media tray to be opened with a force less than 22.2 N while maintaining a latching force greater than the media pick force, ensuring reliable operation within the constraints of Section 508 accessibility standards.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is mounted to one of the housing adjacent the opening thereof and the inner surface of the front wall adjacent to the housing opening
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic plate is aligned with the magnet and mounted to the other of the housing and the inner surface of the front wall
Implementation Method 3
The link, acting as a force multiplier, pivots about the mount applying a release force FR that is greater than the latching force FL to the release surface
Data Source
AI summary
A removable media tray assembly for an image forming device according to one embodiment includes a media tray having a bottom surface and a front wall extending upward from the bottom surface. A bottom surface defines a media storage location for storing a stack of media sheets. The assembly includes a housing having an opening therein to receive the media tray. A magnet and a plate provide a latching force FL greater than a pick motor stall force keeping the media tray in a closed position during media picking. A handle assembly including a finger bar and a pivoting link is mounted to the front wall. With the media tray being held closed by the latching force, a user-supplied actuation force FA that is less than 22.2 N applied to the finger bar, pivots the link which acts as a force multiplier providing a release force exceeding the latching force.