Movable Output Tray with Retractable Guide for Large Format Sheets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large format printing devices face productivity limitations due to the difficulty in handling and processing heavy piles of printed sheets, which requires operator intervention, disrupting continuous printing operations.
Innovation Solution
A standalone, movable output tray assembly with a guide element that supports and directs large format sheets away from the printing device, allowing for continuous printing while enabling easy handling and processing of the sheets, including flexible guide elements to manage sheet curling and height differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large number of large format sheets are printed at high speed to generate a pile, then productivity is improved, but the pile becomes very difficult to handle due to size and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The output assembly is divided into a stationary support structure and a movable output tray element that can be independently moved away from the printing device. This segmentation allows the printed sheets to be deposited on a movable element that can be easily removed and handled separately, resolving the contradiction between high-speed printing and easy handling of large piles of sheets
Solution Approach 2:
A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component to bridge the gap between the output opening and the movable output tray element. This guide element facilitates smooth deposition of sheets onto the movable tray, enabling continuous high-speed printing while the accumulated pile can be easily moved and handled as a separate unit
2Productivity
If the printing device continues printing without operator intervention, then productivity is improved, but a heavy pile accumulates that is difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The output tray element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically adjusted and removed as needed. This enables continuous printing operation while the accumulated sheets can be easily moved away in a single unit, preventing the buildup of heavy stationary piles that would require operator intervention to handle
3Reliability
If a guide element supports the whole sheet during output, then sheet deposition is reliable, but the guide element would need to be unfeasibly large for large format sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element is designed to provide partial support only during the critical initial phase of sheet output, specifically guiding the leading edge onto the movable output tray element. Once the sheet is deposited, the guide element is retracted. This partial action approach ensures reliable deposition without requiring the guide element to be continuously present or oversized for large format sheets
Data Source
Figure 1~2D
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
In order to enable simple and easy handling of a large number of large format sheets, an output assembly is provided. The output assembly comprises a lower output tray element for receiving the sheets. In order to reliably transport and deposit a large format sheet from the printing device onto the lower output tray element, a guide element is provided just below an output opening of the printing device such to guide a leading edge of the sheet onto the lower output tray element. Once the leading edge is supported by the lower output tray element, the guide element is retracted such to enable a trailing edge to be deposited on the lower output tray element.