Scanner Output Tray With Automatic Expansion for Complete Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional scanners require manual adjustment of multiple foldable output trays, leading to incomplete opening and potential document damage during scanning.

Innovation Solution

An automatic expanding output tray mechanism using a first and second output tray, an extending output tray, an extending torsion spring, a limiting element, and a unidirectional actuator to automate the expansion and folding process, ensuring seamless operation without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the output tray is designed as a foldable structure with multiple trays, then the size of the scanner is minimized and portability is improved, but the complexity of manual adjustment increases and reliability decreases due to incomplete opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescanner sizeVSAvoidoutput tray opening completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The output tray system performs self-adjustment through the unidirectional actuator and limiting element mechanism. When the user opens the scanner, the actuator automatically pushes the limiting element to release the extending output tray, which then expands automatically without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures complete opening while maintaining compact storage size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If the output tray requires manual adjustment of multiple trays, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and user convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput tray structureVSAvoidoutput tray adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system eliminates manual adjustment by implementing an automatic expansion mechanism. The unidirectional actuator, triggered by the opening action, automatically releases the limiting element which then allows the extending output tray to expand fully without user intervention. This maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The limiting element is pre-positioned to block the extending output tray during storage. When the user initiates opening, the unidirectional actuator is already activated to release the limiting element in advance, ensuring the extending output tray can expand smoothly without manual guidance or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the extending output tray is manually controlled, then the mechanism remains simple, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming manual adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpansion mechanismVSAvoidscanning operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The extending output tray transitions from manual control to automatic self-expansion. The unidirectional actuator, triggered by the opening motion, automatically releases the limiting element which allows the extending output tray to expand fully and rapidly without user intervention, significantly reducing the time required for tray adjustment and improving overall scanning productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanism ensures the output tray expands and folds automatically, preventing document damage and enhancing user convenience by eliminating the need for manual adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

an extending torsion spring mounted between the extending output tray and the second output tray to exert a rotation torque on the extending output tray, and the rotation torque which is exerted on the extending output tray driving the extending output tray to be ejected out from the second output tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a unidirectional actuator mounted between the limiting element and the first output tray, in a process of expanding the first output tray and the second output tray, the first output tray pushing against the unidirectional actuator to rotate forward to drive the limiting element to release the extending output tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250320081A1Scanner with an automatic expanding output tray

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 FOXLINE IMAGE TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

A scanner with the automatic expanding output tray includes a mechanical body, a first output tray, a second output tray, an extending output tray, an extending torsion spring, a limiting element and a unidirectional actuator. The first output tray has a starting end pivotally connected to a rear of the mechanical body, and a connecting end. The second output tray has a pivoting end pivoted at the connecting end, and a terminal end. The extending output tray is pivotally connected to the second output tray. The extending torsion spring is mounted between the extending output tray and the second output tray. The limiting element is pivotally connected to the second output tray. The unidirectional actuator is mounted between the limiting element and the first output tray.