Rotatable Sheet Feed Unit for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with front loading sheet feed trays face difficulties in operability due to increased friction resistance between the sheet feed tray and output tray, making it hard for users to properly load and position recording media, especially when the side fence lock is not visible or easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotatable sheet feed tray that automatically rotates downward by its weight when drawn to a predetermined position, causing the sheet output tray to rotate upward, increasing clearance and allowing easy access to the side fence lock for proper positioning and loading of recording media, while minimizing additional load on the sheet feed tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the sheet feed tray is drawn to a predetermined position, then the recording media can be fed from the sheet feed tray, but the friction resistance between the sheet feed tray and the sheet output tray increases, reducing operability
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feed tray is designed to be rotatable relative to the body, transitioning from a static drawer to a dynamic component. When drawn to the predetermined position, the tray rotates downward around a rotation axis, changing its orientation and reducing friction contact with the sheet output tray, thereby improving operability while maintaining feeding functionality
2Manufacturing precision
If the side fence lock is provided to regulate recording media position, then proper positioning can be achieved, but the lock becomes difficult to see and access when the sheet feed tray is drawn
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feed tray rotation introduces a vertical dimension to the interface between the user and the locking mechanism. When the tray rotates downward, the side fence lock moves into a more accessible position and becomes visible from the user's perspective, solving the accessibility problem while preserving the positioning function
3Ease of operation
If the sheet feed tray is made removable and rotatable, then accessibility to the side fence lock is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is integrated into the existing removable tray structure rather than being a separate mechanism. The rotation axis is incorporated within the tray assembly, and the rotation movement is achieved through the tray's own weight and gravity when drawn to the predetermined position, eliminating the need for additional motors or actuators
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 configuration enhances the operability of the sheet feed tray by reducing friction and making it easier for users to load and position recording media, improving the overall usability and reducing the risk of misalignment or failure to engage the side fence lock.
Implementation Method 1
the sheet feed unit is rotatable downward by weight of the sheet feed unit and the sheet output unit rotates upward with rotation of the sheet feed unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a body, a sheet feed unit, a regulator, an image forming device, and a sheet output unit. The sheet feed unit is removably mounted to the body to store a recording medium. The regulator has a locking portion and is disposed in the sheet feed unit to regulate a position of the medium in a width direction of the medium. The image forming device forms an image on the medium conveyed from the sheet feed unit. The sheet output unit is disposed above the sheet feed unit to stack the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming device. When the sheet feed unit is drawn from the body to a predetermined position, the sheet feed unit is rotatable downward by weight of the sheet feed unit and the sheet output unit rotates upward with rotation of the sheet feed unit.