Pullout Tray Positioning Structure for Deformation-Stable Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deformation of engagement portions in image forming apparatuses leads to variations in the positioning of trays, affecting the stability and functionality of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a pullout portion that includes an engagement portion and an engaged portion, featuring a positioning portion with contact points to restrict movement in specific directions and a return mechanism to ensure stable positioning, mitigating the impact of deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an engagement portion and an engaged portion are provided for positioning the tray, then the tray can be positioned in the attachment direction, but the positioning stability deteriorates when at least one of the engagement portion and the engaged portion deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The engaged portion is divided into multiple functional segments: a positioning portion with first and second contact portions for restricting movement in opposite directions, and a return portion that utilizes gravity to automatically return the tray to the attachment position. This segmentation allows each segment to handle specific positioning challenges independently, maintaining positioning accuracy even when individual components deform.
Solution Approach 2:
The first contact portion and second contact portion act as intermediary elements between the tray and the engagement portion. These contact portions transmit and restrict movement forces in opposite directions, providing a mechanical intermediary that maintains positioning stability even when the engagement portion deforms.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is allowed to move freely in the pullout direction, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to deformation of engagement portions
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system transitions from a static engagement mechanism to a dynamic one where the tray can move between the attachment position and the pullout position. The first contact portion restricts movement in the insertion direction while the second contact portion allows controlled movement in the pullout direction, creating a dynamic positioning system that maintains precision during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The return portion utilizes the tray's own weight (gravity) to automatically return the tray to the attachment position after it has been pulled out. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex return mechanisms, maintaining positioning accuracy while enabling easy operation.
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 stabilizes the positioning of trays, enhancing the reliability and functionality of the image forming apparatus by restricting unwanted movements and ensuring accurate alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a return portion configured to contact the engagement portion in a case where the pullout portion is in the restricted position so that the pullout portion moves from the restricted position to the attachment position under an own weight thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a positioning portion, a restriction portion, and a return portion. In contrast to an engagement portion provided on one of an apparatus main body and a pullout portion, an engaged portion provided on the other of the apparatus main body and the pullout portion. When the pullout portion is in an attachment position, first and second contact portions are in contact with the engagement portion. The contact between the first contact portion and the engagement portion restricts movement of the pullout portion in an insertion direction. The contact between the second contact portion and the engagement portion restricts movement of the pullout portion in a pullout direction. The restriction portion restricts the movement of the pullout portion when the pullout portion reaches a restricted position. The return portion moves the pullout portion to the attachment position when the pullout portion is in the restricted position.