Rotatable Guide for Multi-Size Sheet Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as multi-function machines, are unable to accommodate and handle recording sheets of multiple sizes effectively due to limitations in the rotation tray's ability to change positions, which restricts the discharge and alignment of sheets.
Innovation Solution
An image reading apparatus with a movable extension tray and a rotatable rotation guide that can change positions to accommodate and align sheets of varying sizes, ensuring proper stacking and discharge by acting as a load force to prevent sheet falling, even at high discharge speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotation tray is fixed in the accommodated state when the extension tray is retracted, then the device structure is simple, but the rotation tray cannot be opened to accommodate multiple sheet sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation guide is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a horizontal accommodated state and an inclined open state. When the extension tray is pulled out, the rotation guide can rotate to the inclined state to support larger sheets. When the extension tray is retracted, the rotation guide returns to the horizontal state. This dynamic positioning allows the same mechanism to serve multiple sheet size requirements without adding excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation guide is nested within the extension tray structure, with the rotation guide's accommodating space integrated into the extension tray's recessed portion. This nesting allows the rotation guide to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed when needed, maximizing space utilization while maintaining versatility for different sheet sizes.
2Ease of operation
If the rotation guide is always rotatable, then the sheet alignment is flexible, but the sheet may fall when the extension tray is retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation guide's rotatability is dynamically controlled based on the extension tray position. When the extension tray is pulled out to the second position, the rotation guide can rotate to the inclined state for flexible sheet alignment. When the extension tray is retracted to the first position, the rotation guide is constrained to the horizontal accommodated state, preventing sheet dropping. This conditional rotatability balances operational flexibility with reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper plate of the discharge tray is designed to cover the rotation guide when the extension tray is retracted, creating a preliminary constraint that prevents the rotation guide from rotating to the inclined state. This preliminary anti-action ensures that even if the rotation guide were to rotate, the sheet would be prevented from falling, thus maintaining reliability while allowing flexibility when the tray is extended.
3Area of stationary object
If the extension tray is always pulled out, then the sheet discharge space is maximized, but the device occupies more space and is less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The extension tray is designed as a movable component that can be dynamically positioned between a retracted first position and an extended second position. When sheet discharge is needed, the tray is pulled out to maximize discharge space. When not in use, the tray is retracted to maintain a compact device profile. This dynamic positioning allows the device to adapt between compact storage and expanded functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge tray structure is segmented into a fixed base tray and a movable extension tray. This segmentation allows the extension tray to be independently positioned, enabling the device to maintain a compact footprint when the extension tray is retracted while providing expanded discharge space when the extension tray is pulled out, thus achieving both compactness and versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image reading apparatus includes an original tray, an original feeding portion, an original reading portion, an original discharging portion, an original discharge tray, an extension tray, and a rotation guide. A stacking surface of the original discharge tray is provided with an opening through which the rotation guide is capable of passing when the rotation guide rotates from a first position to a second position. In a state in which the extension tray is held at a pulled-out position, the rotation guide is rotatable relative to the extension tray from the first position toward the second position. In a state in which the extension tray is held at an accommodated position, the rotation guide is rotatable from the first position toward the second position by passing through the opening.