Operation Panel and Extension Tray Retraction in Recording Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording devices with retractable extension trays and discharge trays face interference issues between the operation panel and extension tray, leading to potential device damage when the extension tray is not fully retracted before closing the operation panel.
Innovation Solution
A recording device design where the operating unit is pivotable between parallel and inclined states, and an extension portion of the discharge tray is displaced to a retracted state automatically when the operating unit changes from an inclined to a parallel position, using the force of closure to avoid interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the extension tray is provided to increase discharge capacity, then the device can handle larger volumes of media, but the extension portion may protrude and interfere with the operation panel when not fully retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel is designed to apply a retarding force to the extension portion before closure, preventing the panel from contacting the protruding extension portion. This preliminary counter-action eliminates the harmful interference before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel automatically retracts the extension portion to a retracted position before the panel closes, ensuring that the extension portion does not protrude into the panel's path. This preliminary retraction action prevents potential damage.
2Ease of operation
If the operation panel is made pivotable to improve usability, then the user can access the panel more easily, but the panel may contact the protruding extension portion and cause device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel incorporates a retarding force mechanism that actively pushes against the extension portion during closure, preventing contact between the panel and the extension portion. This eliminates the reliability issue while maintaining pivotability for ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the extension portion is made extendable to increase functionality, then the discharge tray can accommodate more media, but interference with the operation panel becomes possible when the extension portion is not fully retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion is designed to dynamically adjust its position based on the operation panel's state. When the panel closes, the extension portion automatically retracts to avoid interference, while maintaining extendability for increased discharge capacity when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording device in which an operating unit is provided to be pivotable to a parallel state and an inclined state with respect to a housing, a discharge tray includes a placement portion displaceable to an accommodation position and a use position, and an extension portion displaceable to a retracted state and an extended state, the extension portion protrudes to the outside of the housing when the placement portion is at the accommodation position and the extension portion is in the extended state, at least the extension portion in the extended state overlaps the operating unit in the parallel state, and a force in a first direction in which the extension portion is displaced from the extended state to the retracted state is applied when a back surface of the operating unit abuts on a tip of the extension portion.