Printer Tray Removal via Positioning Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printer apparatuses with traditional tray systems are limited in setup direction and operator access, and can suffer damage from guide members like rails during tray insertion.
Innovation Solution
A printer apparatus design featuring a support surface and wall surfaces that allow the tray to be detached from any direction within a predetermined angle, eliminating the need for guide members and incorporating a locking mechanism using convex and concave portions or magnets for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If guide members such as rails are used to guide the tray, then the tray can be positioned accurately, but the setup direction and operator access are limited and damage can occur during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes guide members such as rails from the tray installation system. Instead of using external guide structures, the invention uses positioning protrusions and recesses integrated into the tray and apparatus body to achieve accurate positioning without constraining the insertion direction, thereby enabling flexible setup orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and recesses serve multiple functions: they guide the tray into the correct position, prevent over-insertion, and allow the tray to be installed from various directions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate guide members and enables both accurate positioning and setup flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If guide members such as rails are used to guide the tray, then the tray can be positioned accurately, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is merged into the tray structure itself through integrated positioning protrusions and corresponding recesses in the apparatus body. This eliminates the need for separate guide members like rails, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining accurate tray positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes guide members such as rails from the system, replacing them with a simpler positioning mechanism using protrusions and recesses that are part of the tray and apparatus body structure, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If guide members such as rails are used to guide the tray, then the tray can be positioned accurately, but damage can occur to the rails or tray during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusions and recesses are designed to guide the tray smoothly into place before final engagement, preventing sudden impacts or misalignment that could cause damage. The gradual engagement of the positioning features cushions the insertion process and protects both the tray and apparatus body.
4Ease of operation
If the tray is made detachable for easy access, then operator convenience is improved, but positioning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning protrusions and recesses are designed to automatically align and engage the tray with the apparatus body when inserted, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments. This self-aligning mechanism ensures accurate positioning every time the tray is installed, maintaining precision while preserving ease of access.
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
This design provides freedom in setup direction, reduces the risk of damage, and enhances operator convenience by allowing the tray to be accessed from various angles, while eliminating the need for costly guide members.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism using convex and concave portions or magnets for secure positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A printer apparatus includes a supply unit to supply recording media, a recording unit to record information to the recording media, and a storage unit to store the recording media. A tray is formed in at least one of the supply unit and the storage unit and detachably connected to the apparatus to store a plurality of recording media in a stacked state. The apparatus includes a support surface for supporting a bottom surface of the tray, and at least one wall surface touching or opposing a side surface of the tray. An opening is defined by the bottom surface and the at least one wall surface to allow the tray to be detached from a direction within a predetermined angle of the side surface of the apparatus. A positioning device is disposed in at least one of the support surface and the wall surface for positioning the tray.