Modular Sheet Tray with Metal Connector for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet trays become less rigid when adapted to accommodate long sheets, making them inconvenient for attachment and detachment from image forming devices.
Innovation Solution
A sheet tray configuration that includes a first tray, a second tray directly connectable to the first tray, and a third metal tray that connects the first and second trays, allowing for two states: one for short sheets and another for longer sheets, thereby increasing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the sheet tray is lengthened to accommodate long sheets, then the sheet size capacity is improved, but the rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet tray is divided into multiple separate trays (first tray, second tray, third tray) that can be connected in different configurations. This segmentation allows the tray system to achieve extended length for long sheets while maintaining rigidity through modular construction, as each individual tray segment retains its structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet tray system employs dynamic reconfigurability where trays can be connected or disconnected based on sheet size requirements. The second tray can be directly connected to the first tray for short sheets, or the third tray can be inserted to create a longer configuration for long sheets, allowing the rigidity to be optimized for each specific use case.
2Length of moving object
If the sheet tray is made longer to reduce rigidity loss, then the sheet size capacity is improved, but the attachment and detachment convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sheet tray into multiple detachable units, the system enables easier attachment and detachment operations. Each tray segment can be independently handled and connected, reducing the complexity of manipulating a single long rigid structure while still achieving the necessary length for long sheets.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic connection and disconnection capability of the tray segments allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. The trays can be quickly assembled or disassembled through simple connection mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation even when extended length is required for accommodating long sheets.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet tray configured to accommodate a sheet includes a first tray, a second tray directly connectable to the first tray, and a third tray directly connectable to the first tray and to the second tray in a state where the second tray is disengaged from the first tray, the third tray being made of metal. The sheet tray is configured to take a first state where the first tray is directly connected to the second tray and a second state where the third tray connects the first tray to the second tray. The sheet tray is configured to accommodate a sheet having a first size in the first state and a sheet having a second size longer than the sheet having the first size in the second state.