Paper Feed Tray Locking Mechanism for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper feed tray locking mechanisms in image forming apparatuses cause an unpleasant user experience due to varying operating forces and impacts when drawing out multiple trays, particularly in tandem trays, where two different operations are required for releasing the lock and drawing out the trays, leading to accumulated impact and force changes.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with an engaging mechanism that couples and separates paper feed trays, allowing one tray to be drawn out after a predetermined distance, ensuring consistent operating forces and reducing user discomfort by allowing the second tray to be drawn out after the first, thus minimizing the impact and force variation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the locking mechanism couples both paper feed trays together, then both trays can be drawn out together efficiently, but the operating force varies and causes impacts that reduce user comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tray drawing process into two phases: first the first tray is drawn out, then the second tray is drawn out. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to control the sequence, reducing impact and improving user comfort while maintaining the ability to draw both trays together efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs a preliminary action by maintaining the coupled state during the first phase of tray drawing, then releases at the appropriate moment to allow sequential drawing. This preliminary coupling enables efficient initial movement while the controlled release prevents excessive impact
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism releases both trays independently, then user comfort is improved with consistent operating force, but the trays cannot be drawn out together efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism dynamically transitions between coupled and released states during the tray drawing process. It starts in a coupled state for efficient initial movement, then dynamically releases to allow sequential drawing with consistent operating force, combining benefits of both approaches
3Reliability
If two different operations are required for releasing lock and drawing out trays, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking release and tray drawing operations into a single integrated action. The locking mechanism is designed to release automatically as part of the tray drawing motion, eliminating the need for separate operations while maintaining reliable locking functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device locks or separates a first paper feed tray to a second paper feed tray in a state where the first paper feed tray and the second paper feed tray being arranged in parallel at a storage position of an image forming apparatus. The locking device includes an engaging mechanism that can be set to an interlocked state. When the engaging mechanism is in an interlocked state, and when a drawing tray is drawn out from the storage position, a drawn tray is drawn out after the drawing tray is drawn out for a predetermined distance from the storage position.