Printer Output Tray Asymmetry for Input Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In printers with a compact design and close spacing between the media input and output trays, it is difficult for users to access the input tray for media loading, as the existing designs do not provide sufficient clearance, especially when the output tray is mounted close to the input tray.
Innovation Solution
A media output tray configuration that can be moved from a normal operating position to a raised media loading position, where the edges are positioned at varying distances from the input tray surface, allowing for improved access by using curved tracks and catches to guide the tray's movement, enabling easier loading of media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the output tray is located close to the input tray to reduce printer height, then the printer height is reduced, but the accessibility to the input tray for media loading becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The output tray is designed to be movable between a first position (close to input tray for compact height) and a second position (raised for improved accessibility). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the printer to switch between compact storage mode and user-accessible mode, resolving the contradiction between reduced height and ease of media loading.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the output tray horizontally or vertically in a simple linear fashion, the tray is pivoted about a pivot point located at its first edge. This rotational movement in a different dimensional plane allows the second edge to be raised upward, creating clearance for user access while maintaining the compact footprint when in the lowered position.
2Length of stationary object
If the output tray is spaced very close to the input tray to further reduce printer height, then the printer height is further reduced, but the accessibility to the input tray becomes insufficient even with pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The output tray is designed with asymmetric movement characteristics - the first edge remains relatively stationary near the input tray while the second edge can be raised to a significant height. This asymmetric geometry allows one end to maintain close spacing for compactness while the other end provides sufficient clearance for user access.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the output tray serve different functions at different positions. The first edge area maintains close proximity to the input tray for compact design, while the second edge area is designed to be raised for accessibility. This local differentiation allows the tray to simultaneously satisfy both compactness and accessibility requirements in different spatial zones.
3Ease of operation
If a hinged output tray is used to improve access to the input tray, then the accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The output tray is divided into functional segments with the first edge serving as a pivot point and the second edge serving as the accessible end. This segmentation allows independent movement of different portions of the tray, enabling improved accessibility without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire tray structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The output tray design allows users to easily pivot the tray between positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The simple pivot connection enables users to manually reconfigure the tray position based on their needs, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a media input tray including a surface for holding media; and a media output tray including a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, the media output tray includes a first position such that the first edge is located at a first distance h1 from the surface of the media input tray and the second edge is located at a second distance h2 from the surface of the media input tray; and a second position such that the first edge is at a third distance h3 from the surface of the media input tray and the second edge is located at a fourth distance h4 from the surface of the media input tray, wherein h4>h2, h4>h3, and h3>h1.