Rotatable Sheet Feeder Connection Mechanism for Tool-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding units for image forming apparatuses lack physical stability and ease of operation, as they require tools for connection and disconnection, which can lead to detachment and instability during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism featuring a rotatable connection member on the sheet feeding unit that engages with an engaging member on the image forming apparatus, allowing for easy connection and disconnection without tools, with the connection member protruding when engaged and retracting when disengaged, and located on the frame for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a connection mechanism using bolts and screws is used to fix the sheet feeding unit to the image forming apparatus, then physical stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because tools are required for connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member is designed to be rotatable between a horizontal connecting state and a vertical disconnected state. This dynamic transformation allows the connection mechanism to switch between providing strong physical stability when connected and enabling easy tool-free operation when disconnection is needed, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a connection member with engaging/protruding portions on the sheet feeding unit, and a corresponding engaging member on the image forming apparatus. This segmentation allows the connection to be made through simple rotational movement rather than requiring multiple fastening operations with tools
2Ease of operation
If the connection member is disposed on the upper part of the frame, then ease of operation is improved for user access, but stability deteriorates due to higher center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connection member dynamically shifts its position and function. When in the horizontal connecting state, it provides stable engagement with the engaging member. When rotated to the vertical disconnected state, it allows easy user access for connection and disconnection operations, balancing stability and ease of operation
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
The solution provides a physically stable and easy-to-operate connection between sheet feeding units and image forming apparatuses, preventing detachment and damage from impacts, while allowing for tool-free operation and secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
a connection member disposed on a frame of the sheet feeding unit and rotatably supported on the frame; and an engaging member disposed on the image forming apparatus or the frame of the other sheet feeding unit, wherein: the connection member is rotated between an engaging position where the connection member engages with the engagement member and a retracted position where the connection member disengages from the engaging member and retracts from the engaging position
Data Source
AI summary
A connection mechanism connecting a sheet feeding unit, supplying a paper to an image forming apparatus, with the image forming apparatus or other sheet feeding unit, the connection mechanism comprising: a connection member disposed on a frame of the sheet feeding unit and rotatably supported on the frame; and an engaging member disposed on the image forming apparatus or the frame of the other sheet feeding unit, wherein: the connection member is rotated between an engaging position where the connection member engages with the engagement member and a retracting position where the connection member disengages with the engaging member and retracts from the engaging position.