Rotatable Extension Tray for Variable Angle Media Stacking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium ejection apparatuses face challenges in optimally arranging the tray for stacking ejected media due to varying environments, as the angle of the tray changes with the insertion or pullout of auxiliary trays, affecting the stacking of different-sized media.
Innovation Solution
A medium ejection apparatus with an ejection roller, an ejection tray having a first stacking surface, and an extension tray with a second stacking surface, where the extension tray can pivot to form different angles with respect to the first stacking surface, allowing for optimal stacking of various media sizes by adjusting its position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the extension tray is fixed at a single angle, then the structure is simple and compact, but it cannot adapt to different media sizes and stacking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tray is designed to be rotatable relative to the ejection tray, allowing it to dynamically change its angle and position. This enables the tray to adapt to different media sizes and stacking requirements without requiring multiple fixed-tray configurations, thus improving versatility while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking tray is divided into two independent segments: the ejection tray and the extension tray. This segmentation allows each tray to be independently positioned and angled, with the extension tray able to rotate to different angles relative to the ejection tray. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability through modular, independently controllable segments rather than a single complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extension tray is made rotatable to adjust angles, then adaptability to different media sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism allows the extension tray to be dynamically adjusted to different angles relative to the ejection tray. This dynamic positioning capability enables adaptability to various media sizes and stacking configurations without requiring complex automated adjustment systems, achieving versatility through simple mechanical rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation mechanism is designed to be manually operable, allowing users to directly adjust the extension tray angle according to their needs. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex automated control systems, motors, or sensors, thereby improving adaptability while keeping the device complexity low.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the extension tray abuts against the ejection tray at multiple positions, then stable stacking is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
An abutment structure serves as an intermediary element between the extension tray and the ejection tray. This abutment mechanism enables stable mechanical coupling at different positions, allowing the extension tray to be securely positioned at various angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of this intermediate coupling element.
Data Source
AI summary
A medium ejection apparatus includes an ejection tray having a first stacking surface, and an extension tray rotatably attached to an end part of the ejection tray at a downstream side in a medium ejection direction, and having a second stacking surface. An end part of the ejection tray at the downstream side is provided with a first abutting part and a second abutting part. An end part of the extension tray at the ejection tray side is provided with a first abutted part and a second abutted part. The second stacking surface is located forming a first angle with respect to the first stacking surface by the first abutted part abutting against the first abutting part. The second stacking surface is located forming a second angle, different from the first angle, with respect to the first stacking surface by the second abutted part abutting against the first abutting part.