Pivoting Medium Tray and Linking Component for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices have complex and difficult-to-operate switching mechanisms for guiding different media into appropriate exit passages, leading to potential jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
A medium passage switching mechanism with a pivoting medium tray, guiding component, and linking component, where the medium tray drives the linking component to pivot the guiding component, allowing selective guidance of media into either the first or second exit passage based on the media type, simplifying the structure and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional switching mechanism is used to guide different media into appropriate exit passages, then the media can be directed to the correct passage, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the medium tray and guiding component into an integrated pivoting assembly. The medium tray itself becomes part of the guiding mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex switching devices. When the tray pivots between positions, it directly controls which exit passage is accessible, merging the functions of media support and passage selection into a single unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic pivoting mechanism where the medium tray and guiding component can rotate between different positions. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt its configuration based on the media type being used, switching between guiding different media into different exit passages through simple rotational movement rather than complex mechanical switching.
2Reliability
If a conventional switching mechanism is used to guide different media into appropriate exit passages, then the media can be directed to the correct passage, but the operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the medium tray with the guiding function, the patent eliminates the need for separate switching operations. The user simply places media on the tray and pivots it to the appropriate position, and the integrated structure automatically guides the media to the correct exit passage. This combination reduces operational steps and simplifies the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting mechanism is designed to be self-guiding through its geometric configuration. When the medium tray pivots to a specific position, the relative positioning between the tray, guiding component, and exit passages automatically aligns the media path correctly. The structure itself performs the guiding function without requiring additional control mechanisms or complex user inputs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple passages are provided for different media types, then media can be properly routed, but the mechanism becomes complicated and prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The medium tray serves multiple functions: it supports different types of media (papers, cards, envelopes), acts as the guiding component, and functions as the switching mechanism itself. This multi-functional design allows the system to handle various media types through a single unified structure rather than requiring separate mechanisms for each media type.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting capability allows the same physical structure to adapt its configuration for different media types. By rotating the tray to different positions, the system dynamically reconfigures the media path to accommodate various media formats, providing versatility through temporal reconfiguration rather than spatial multiplication of components.
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
The solution provides a simple and easy-to-operate mechanism for guiding media into the correct exit passage, preventing jamming and enhancing user convenience by allowing easy switching between different media types.
Implementation Method 1
the linking component is a torsional spring
Data Source
AI summary
A medium passage switching mechanism disposed on a casing of an image forming device, includes a medium tray, a guiding component and a linking component. An entrance passage, a first exit passage and a second exit passage are formed inside the casing. The medium tray is pivoted to the casing. The guiding component is pivoted to the casing. The linking component is a one-piece structure and movably connected to the medium tray and the guiding component. When the medium tray pivots relative to the casing, the medium tray drives the linking component to drive the guiding component to pivot relative to the casing, so that the guiding component can guide a medium to enter into the first exit passage or the second exit passage selectively from the entrance passage.