Paper Feed Cassette Support Structure for Stable Tray Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing paper feed devices have a one-side supporting structure for the pivotally supporting portion, leading to increased size and footprint due to the weight of the paper feed tray, necessitating a thicker and larger structure.
Innovation Solution
A paper feed device with a both-side supporting structure for the shaft member, utilizing a supporting member that can change its attachment posture relative to the rail member or inner wall of the cassette accommodation unit, reducing the need for larger components and maintaining stability during cassette insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a one-side supporting structure is used for the pivotally supporting portion, then the structure is simpler, but the footprint increases and stability decreases due to the weight of the paper feed tray
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is divided into two separate supporting portions instead of one large supporting structure. Each supporting portion supports one end of the shaft member, allowing the load to be distributed across two points rather than requiring a single large footprint structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting members are configured to extend in different directions (first direction and second direction perpendicular to the first) to provide both-side support. This spatial arrangement allows the shaft member to be supported at both ends without increasing the overall footprint in a single dimension.
2Device complexity
If a one-side supporting structure is used for the pivotally supporting portion, then the structure is simpler, but the stability decreases when the paper feed tray is pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into two separate supporting portions that support both ends of the shaft member. This segmentation provides balanced support on both sides, preventing the instability and tilting that occurs with one-side support when the tray weight is applied during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting members are configured with different orientations (one extending in the first direction, another in the second direction perpendicular to the first) to create an asymmetric but balanced support system that adapts to the load distribution during tray insertion and removal operations.
3Strength
If the shaft member is made thicker and larger to handle the load, then the strength increases, but the footprint and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the size of a single supporting structure, the load-bearing function is segmented across two separate supporting portions. Each supporting portion can be smaller in size while collectively providing the necessary strength to handle the tray weight, thus maintaining strength without increasing overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The two supporting portions work together in combination to provide the total load-bearing capacity needed. By merging their support functions at different locations along the shaft member, the system achieves the required strength without any single component needing to be oversized.
Data Source
AI summary
A paper feed device includes a paper-feed cassette configured to be removably inserted to a cassette accommodation unit, a rail member provided at an inner wall of the cassette accommodation unit, an engaging portion to engage with the rail member so as to be able to move, a rotating member configured to be brought into contact with an engagement surface of the engaging portion and be able to rotate in association with insertion and removal of the paper-feed cassette, a shaft member configured to pivotally support the rotating member and have one end fixed to the rail member or an inner wall of the cassette accommodation unit, and a supporting member configured to support another end of the shaft member. The supporting member is shaped so as to be able to change an attachment posture relative to the rail member or the inner wall.