Placement Tray Edge Guide Layout for Better Manual Feed Operability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual feed trays with retractable edge guides suffer from poor operability when the edge guide is moved between use and non-use postures.
Innovation Solution
A placement tray with a displaceable edge guide that pivots between closed and open states, featuring a movable section that reclines along the placement surface in the closed state and becomes upright in the open state, with an operation section that is easily accessible and does not overlap with the link member, allowing for improved user interaction and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the edge guide is made retractable to improve space efficiency, then the device size is reduced, but the operability when moving the edge guide deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The edge guide is divided into a movable section and a fixed section. The movable section can pivot between upright and reclined positions, while the fixed section remains stationary. This segmentation allows the edge guide to be compact when retracted while maintaining ease of operation when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge guide employs a dynamic pivoting mechanism that allows the movable section to transition between upright and reclined positions. This dynamic design enables the edge guide to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, improving both space efficiency and operability.
2Volume of moving object
If the operation section is positioned to overlap the movable section for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the accessibility for user operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The operation section is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the link member in the width direction, creating spatial separation in a different dimension. This allows the movable section to be compact while the operation section remains easily accessible to users.
3Volume of moving object
If the movable section is made to pivot for posture switching, then the space efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable section is designed to pivot automatically between upright and reclined positions based on the placement tray's state. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems while maintaining space efficiency.
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
Enhances user operability by providing an exposed operation section and minimizing interference with the link member, facilitating easier grip and posture switching, while also enabling device downsizing through optimized design and posture stabilization.
Implementation Method 1
a movable section 571, 572 that is configured to pivotably switch between a non-use posture in which in the closed state the movable section reclines along the placement surface and a use posture in which in the open state the movable section is upright with respect to the placement surface
Implementation Method 2
an operation section 611, 612 that has a fixed posture with respect to the placement surface and that is operated by a user
Data Source
AI summary
A placement tray 50, which is displaceable to a closed state and an open state with respect to a device main body 34, has a placement surface 51 on which a medium is placed, edge guides 531, 532 that restrict side edges of the medium to be placed, and a link member 551 that supports the placement tray in the open state. The edge guide has a movable section 571 that pivotably switches between a non-use posture in which it reclines along the placement surface and a use posture in which it is upright against the placement surface, and an operation section 611 that is fixed in posture against the placement surface and is operated. At least a part of the operation section is provided at a position that overlaps the movable section and does not overlap the link member as viewed from the width direction that intersects the transport direction F of the medium.