Segmented Sheet Feed Tray for Compact Image Reading Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image reading devices with automatic document feeders face challenges in reducing height while maintaining sufficient sheet support, especially when handling long sheets, as a fully inclined sheet feed tray increases device thickness and may cause sheet protrusion.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveying device with a first supporting section and guide section, where the first support region extends horizontally and the second support region is inclined, reducing the height of the device by allowing horizontal and oblique portions to guide sheets effectively, thereby minimizing device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet feed tray is entirely inclined from upstream to downstream, then sheet conveyance is facilitated, but the height dimension becomes large, preventing device thickness reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feed tray is divided into multiple support regions (first support region extending horizontally, second support region inclined) instead of a single continuous incline. This segmentation allows the tray to achieve sheet conveyance through the inclined portion while maintaining a compact height through the horizontal portion, resolving the contradiction between conveyance effectiveness and device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sheet feed tray are given different inclinations: the first support region has a horizontal inclination (0 degrees) while the second support region has an inclined orientation. This local differentiation allows the tray to provide stable support where needed while facilitating conveyance in specific areas, reducing overall height without compromising sheet handling capability.
2Length of stationary object
If the full length of the sheet feed tray is reduced to reduce height dimension, then device thickness is reduced, but sheets with long length are likely to protrude
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet feed tray is segmented into multiple support regions with different inclinations. The horizontal first support region provides extended support length for long sheets, while the inclined second support region facilitates conveyance. This segmentation allows the tray to accommodate long sheets without increasing the overall height dimension, resolving the contradiction between height reduction and sheet length accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray design utilizes both horizontal and inclined dimensions to accommodate sheets. By combining a horizontal support region (providing length in the conveyance direction) with an inclined region (providing height reduction), the design achieves both sheet length accommodation and compact height without compromising either parameter.
3Length of stationary object
If the first support region extends horizontally and the second support region is inclined, then device thickness is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first support region and second support region are merged into a single integrated sheet feed tray structure. The horizontal and inclined portions are combined in one continuous component, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms to achieve the dual-functionality of height reduction and sheet conveyance, thus reducing overall structural complexity despite the varied geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet feed tray is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides horizontal support for long sheets, inclined conveyance assistance, and height reduction. By making the tray itself multi-functional rather than adding separate mechanisms for each function, the design achieves device thickness reduction without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device includes a conveyor, a supporting section which supports a sheet to be fed to the conveyor and a guide section which is provided on the supporting section and configured to guide a sheet to the conveyor. The supporting section includes a first support region and a second support region which support a sheet. The first support region is provided at a position on an upstream side from the second support region in a sheet conveyance direction. The first support region extends substantially horizontally, and the second support region is inclined in a lower direction toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction. The guide section includes a first portion which extends substantially horizontally along the first support region, and a second portion which is connected to the first portion and extends obliquely in the lower direction along the second support region.