Rotatable Paper Tray and Cover Assembly for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with increased paper feed resistance and potential feed failures due to the U-turn type paper feed and discharge system, which requires secure separation of trays and access covers, leading to complex and error-prone operations and increased apparatus size and cost.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a configuration where the paper feed tray, discharge tray, and access cover are rotatable, with shared and shifted pivot axes, allowing independent and unified operation to minimize height and enhance paper feeding reliability and operability, preventing sheet contact and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a U-turn type paper feed and discharge system is used to reduce apparatus size, then the occupation space is reduced, but paper feed resistance increases and feed failures occur due to sheet contact between trays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar U-turn configuration to a three-dimensional stacked arrangement where the paper feed tray and paper discharge tray are positioned at different vertical levels. The feed tray is located below the discharge tray, and sheets are conveyed through a vertical path rather than a horizontal U-turn, eliminating sheet contact while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the paper handling system into separate functional zones at different heights: the feed tray region, the printing region, and the discharge tray region. This spatial segmentation prevents interference between fed sheets and discharged sheets, resolving the paper feed reliability issue while keeping the apparatus compact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate opening and closing operations of feed tray, discharge tray, and access cover are required, then components can be independently controlled, but operation complexity increases and user errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the discharge tray and access cover into a single integrated assembly that rotates together about a common pivot axis. This merging allows the user to perform a single rotational operation to simultaneously open or close both components, eliminating the need for separate control operations while maintaining the adaptability of independent component functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated discharge tray-access cover assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a discharge surface for printed sheets and a protective cover for the printing mechanism. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single component structure that performs both roles, simplifying user interaction while maintaining versatility.
3Ease of operation
If enough space is secured between components to prevent interference during opening and closing operations, then component operations are smooth, but apparatus size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the discharge tray is positioned within the spatial envelope defined by the housing and access cover. The rotatable discharge tray-access cover assembly is designed to rotate within the available angular space, nesting the discharge function within the protective cover structure without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to accommodate component movements. The feed tray rotates about a horizontal pivot axis, the discharge tray-access cover assembly rotates about a vertical pivot axis, and sheets are conveyed vertically. This three-dimensional arrangement allows components to move through each other's space without interference, eliminating the need for excessive clearance in the horizontal plane.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing having an access cover, a paper feed tray, and a paper discharge tray provided on a side thereof in a rotatable manner. A rotation pivot of the paper feed tray and a rotation pivot of the access cover are arranged on the same axis, and a rotation pivot of the paper discharge tray is arranged with a shift from the rotation pivot of the access cover.