Nested Output Tray Rack Drive for Faster Media Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses with medium-receiving trays require increased displacement time to switch between accommodated and extended states, especially when handling longer media, due to the rack-and-pinion mechanism configuration.
Innovation Solution
The recording apparatus incorporates a pinion gear interposed between a first tray and a second tray, with a displacement section that supports the pinion gear, allowing for increased displacement of the second tray and reducing the time required to switch between states, while maintaining a compact design by avoiding thickness increases and enhancing rigidity through a compound gear configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the trays are increased in length in the medium discharging direction to receive longer medium, then the receiving capability for various media is improved, but the displacement time of the tray is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The medium-receiving tray is divided into a first tray and a second tray that can be independently controlled. The second tray can be displaced relative to the first tray, allowing the system to receive both short and long media efficiently. When receiving long media, only the second tray needs to extend, reducing the total displacement time compared to moving the entire tray assembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the medium-receiving tray is configured to be extended to receive longer medium, then the adaptability is improved, but the apparatus height is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The second tray is disposed below the first tray in the accommodated state, creating a nested configuration. This allows the tray system to achieve extended reach for long media while maintaining a compact vertical profile when retracted, avoiding significant increases in apparatus height.
3Device complexity
If the rack-and-pinion mechanism is used to drive the trays, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the displacement speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a motor that can dynamically adjust its rotational speed during operation. The motor rotates at different speeds depending on the required displacement distance and tray position, allowing faster movement when needed while maintaining control. This dynamic speed adjustment compensates for the inherent slowness of rack-and-pinion mechanisms.
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
This configuration shortens the time to switch the medium-receiving tray between states, facilitates assembly, and reduces the apparatus's overall height and thickness, enabling efficient handling of various media sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion gear engaged with a first rack formed in the first tray in a displacement direction of the second tray and with a second rack formed in the second tray in the displacement direction
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes: an apparatus main body that includes a recording unit; a medium-receiving tray that is configured to be switched between a first state and a second state; and a motor, in which the medium-receiving tray includes a first tray, a second tray that is configured to be displaced with respect to the first tray and that is positioned further than the first tray from the apparatus main body when the medium-receiving tray is in the second state, a pinion gear engaged with a first rack formed in the first tray in a displacement direction of the second tray and with a second rack formed in the second tray in the displacement direction, and a displacement section that supports the pinion gear and that is displaced in the displacement direction in response to receiving power from the motor.