Removable Raised Tray System for Printer Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the printing industry, operators face ergonomic challenges and fatigue due to repetitive bending when handling small batches of printed media, as existing printing systems are not optimized for on-demand printing, leading to inefficiencies and potential injuries.
Innovation Solution
A removable raised tray system with electrically conductive materials and adjustable, magnetically secured legs that elevates the printing surface, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without tools, reducing the need for operators to bend and improving ergonomics by allowing for both large and small print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the stacker tray/pallet is located close to the ground for large print jobs, then the printing system can handle large batches efficiently, but operators experience ergonomic issues and fatigue when handling small batches
Solution Approach 1:
The stacker tray is made dynamically adjustable in height through a telescoping mechanism with extendible legs. For large print jobs, the tray remains in the lowered position for efficient bulk handling. For small batches, the legs extend to raise the tray to an ergonomic height, allowing operators to work comfortably without excessive bending. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between large-batch efficiency and small-batch ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of tray height is changed based on the print job size. A height adjustment mechanism with multiple predetermined positions allows the tray to be raised or lowered according to whether a large or small batch is being printed. This parameter change enables the system to optimize both productivity for large batches and operator ergonomics for small batches.
2Ease of operation
If the stacker tray is raised to improve ergonomics for small batches, then operator comfort improves, but the system cannot efficiently handle large print jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism allows the tray to be dynamically positioned at different heights based on operational needs. When small batches are printed, the tray is raised to ergonomic height. When large batches are printed, the tray is lowered to its original position for efficient bulk handling. This dynamic repositioning capability resolves the contradiction between ergonomics and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacker tray system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in a lowered position for efficient large-batch handling and in a raised position for ergonomic small-batch operations. The height adjustment mechanism with multiple predetermined positions provides universal functionality that accommodates both large and small print jobs effectively.
3Device complexity
If a fixed height stacker tray is used, then the system structure remains simple, but operators must repeatedly bend to handle small batches
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than a completely complex adjustable system, the invention uses a relatively simple telescoping leg mechanism with ball detent assemblies that provide predetermined height positions. This dynamic structure allows the tray to be raised or lowered with minimal complexity, improving operator ergonomics without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment mechanism is segmented into multiple predetermined positions achieved through ball detent assemblies in the telescoping legs. This segmentation provides discrete, easily selectable height options that improve ergonomics for small batches while maintaining relatively simple construction compared to continuously adjustable mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the stacker tray is modified to be adjustable, then ergonomics for small batches improve, but the existing system requires modification
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment mechanism is divided into separate, modular components: telescoping legs with ball detent assemblies, electrically conductive grounding means, and magnetic fastening assemblies. These segmented components can be independently manufactured and assembled onto the existing stacker tray without requiring complete system redesign or complex modifications to the original structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fastening assemblies serve as intermediaries to attach the height adjustment mechanism to the existing stacker tray structure. These magnets provide a non-invasive attachment method that secures the adjustable components without requiring permanent modification or drilling into the original system, easing installation while maintaining ergonomics.
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 system enhances operator efficiency and reduces fatigue by raising the printing surface, enabling smoother operation of both large and small print jobs without modifying existing equipment, thus improving ergonomics and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically conductive material of the tray surface and the platform surface are electrically conductively connected to one another so as to prevent the build-up of and/or dissipate static electricity
Implementation Method 2
The at least one leg includes a releasable fastening assembly, such as a rare earth magnet, that releasably secures the tray to the platform surface of the feeder or stacker tray/pallet
Data Source
AI summary
A removable raised tray system for a printing system generally includes a removable tray operatively arranged to receive print media thereon. The removable tray includes an upper tray surface having an electrically conductive material, a lower tray surface, and at least one tray leg that is connected to the removable tray, which is configured to support the removable tray at a position that is raised relative to a platform surface of a printer feeder or stacker. The at least one leg includes a releasable fastening assembly, such as a rare earth magnet, that releasably secures the removable tray to the platform surface thereby allowing the tray to easily attached and removed from the printer feeder or stacker. The electrically conductive material of the tray surface and the platform surface are electrically conductively connected to one another so as to prevent the build-up of static electricity.