Rotatable Flapper Sheet Storage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet storage devices in printing apparatuses require intricate mechanisms for supporting and guiding sheets, necessitating separate and complex configurations for reception and guide members, which complicates the system and increases space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A sheet storage device with a plurality of flappers that can rotate between a posture for guiding sheets downward and a posture for supporting them, connected by a unit to simplify both the supporting and guiding mechanisms, allowing for a single, integrated configuration that reduces complexity and space needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate reception member and guide member are used, then sheet support and guidance functions are achieved, but mechanism complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper integrates both the reception function (supporting the sheet) and the guide function (guiding the sheet downward) into a single component. The flapper includes a support surface for supporting the sheet and a guide surface for guiding the sheet, eliminating the need for separate reception and guide members while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flapper is designed as a multi-functional component that can both support and guide sheets. By incorporating both the support surface and guide surface in one element, the flapper serves multiple purposes simultaneously, reducing the overall number of components needed in the sheet storage device.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple independent members are provided, then sheet handling functions are fulfilled, but installation space and movement space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper combines the reception member and guide member into one integrated component, reducing the total space required for installation. The support surface and guide surface are positioned on the same flapper structure, eliminating the need for separate installation spaces for multiple independent members.
3Device complexity
If separate reception and guide configurations are used, then sheet support and guidance are achieved, but the number of components and mechanism intricacy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper integrates both support and guide functions in a single component, reducing the total number of parts. The support surface and guide surface are formed on the same flapper structure, which is rotatably connected to the housing, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliable sheet handling.
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 solution simplifies the sheet storage mechanism by integrating the functions of supporting and guiding into a single, more compact system, reducing user burden and improving design flexibility while effectively managing sheet storage across various modes.
Implementation Method 1
each flapper being rotatable between a first posture in which the sheet discharged from the discharge port is guided downward in a gravitational direction by using a first surface, and a second posture in which the sheet is supported by using a second surface being different from the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet storage apparatus and a printing apparatus include simplified mechanisms for supporting a sheet and for guiding the sheet. A sheet storage device that can store a sheet discharged from a discharge port of a printing apparatus includes multiple flappers provided below the discharge port and arranged in a width direction of the sheet, each flapper being rotatable between a first posture in which the sheet discharged from the discharge port is guided downward in a gravitational direction by using a first surface, and a second posture in which the sheet is supported by using a second surface being different from the first surface; and a connecting unit which connects the plurality of flappers to one another.