Movable Discharge Holding Section for Printer Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media holding devices in recording apparatuses require fixed maximum capacity, making it difficult to downsize the apparatus due to the need for pre-allocated space for the discharge holding section, regardless of the actual number of recording media processed.
Innovation Solution
A media holding device with a movable discharge holding section that adjusts its position relative to the supply holding section, allowing the holding capacity to vary based on the quantity of processed media, and utilizing a moving unit and biasing unit to increase the height difference between the discharge holding section and discharging roller, enabling flexible capacity adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the discharge holding section is designed to accommodate the maximum number of recording media, then the holding capacity is sufficient for all cases, but the recording apparatus size increases due to pre-allocated space
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge holding section is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and holding capacity based on the actual number of recorded sheets. The section can move along the lamination direction to accommodate varying quantities of recording media, eliminating the need to pre-allocate space for maximum capacity and thereby reducing the overall apparatus size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge holding section is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the holding capacity cannot be adjusted according to the quantity of processed media
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge holding section is made movable along the lamination direction, enabling it to adapt its holding capacity to the actual number of recorded sheets. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to handle varying quantities of media efficiently without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge holding section automatically adjusts its position based on the accumulation of recorded sheets. As sheets are laminated, the section moves accordingly to maintain optimal holding capacity, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If the discharge holding section moves closer to the supply holding section, then the holding capacity increases, but the height difference with the discharging roller decreases which may affect media transportation
Solution Approach 1:
A contact member is introduced as an intermediary between the discharge holding section and the recording media. This contact member ensures smooth media transportation and prevents damage to the outermost sheet, even when the discharge holding section is positioned close to the supply holding section. The contact member acts as a buffer that maintains reliable media flow despite reduced height difference.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a supply holding section that holds paper, which is supplied to a printing section, in an overlapping manner; a paper discharging roller that discharges the paper from the printing section; a discharge holding section that holds the paper, which are discharged from the paper discharging roller, in an overlapping manner, and is installed movably to the supply holding section, in an overlapping manner; and a moving unit that is moved to move the discharge holding section to the supply holding section so as to widen a difference of a height between the discharge holding section and the paper discharging roller according to a decrease of a holding amount of the paper in the supply holding section.