Sheet Accommodating Device with Segmented Moving Member for Size Regulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet accommodating devices in image forming apparatuses are limited in handling sheet sizes due to the need for frequent attachment and detachment of regulating members, leading to accidental detachment and inability to manage sheets of varying sizes, including both centimeter and inch specifications.

Innovation Solution

A sheet accommodating device with a moving member that includes a size regulation region and a non-size regulation region, allowing the regulating member to be attached and detached only at a predetermined position, preventing accidental detachment and enabling handling of sheets up to the maximum accommodatable size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the regulating member is made detachable to downsize the sheet accommodating device, then the device size is reduced, but the device becomes limited in handling sheets of various sizes and operators may accidentally detach the regulating member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidhandling capability of various sheet sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The moving member is divided into distinct regions: a size regulation region where the regulating member functions to regulate sheet end portions, and a non-size regulation region where the regulating member can be safely attached and detached. This segmentation allows the regulating member to serve dual purposes while preventing accidental detachment in the size regulation region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The moving member acts as an intermediary element between the regulating member and the sheet accommodating device body. It provides a controlled interface that enables selective attachment and detachment only in the non-size regulation region, while maintaining continuous sheet size regulation capability in the size regulation region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the regulating member is attached and detached for each sheet size, then the device can handle different sheet sizes, but the operation becomes complex and operators may detach the regulating member by mistake

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capability of various sheet sizesVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The moving member is divided into distinct regions: a size regulation region where the regulating member functions to regulate sheet end portions, and a non-size regulation region where the regulating member can be safely attached and detached. This segmentation allows the regulating member to serve dual purposes while preventing accidental detachment in the size regulation region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-guided operation through the spatial distinction between regions. The regulating member's attachment and detachment operations are naturally directed to the non-size regulation region, eliminating the need for complex operational procedures or operator judgment about where to perform these operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the regulating member is made detachable to reduce device complexity, then the structure is simplified, but the reliability of sheet size regulation decreases due to potential accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidsheet size regulation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The moving member is divided into distinct regions: a size regulation region where the regulating member functions to regulate sheet end portions, and a non-size regulation region where the regulating member can be safely attached and detached. This segmentation allows the regulating member to serve dual purposes while preventing accidental detachment in the size regulation region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design preemptively prevents accidental detachment by creating a spatial configuration where the regulating member cannot be detached from the size regulation region. The non-size regulation region is positioned and structured to allow attachment and detachment operations without interfering with the sheet size regulation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS10633203B2Sheet accommodating device and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 SHARP KK

AI summary

A sheet accommodating device includes a regulating member that regulates end portions of sheets and a moving member movably provided in a body of the sheet accommodating device. The regulating member is detachably provided on the moving member. A moving region of the moving member includes a size regulation region where the end portions of the sheets are regulated and a predetermined non-size regulation region excluding the size regulation region. The sheet accommodating device is configured to permit the regulating member to be attached to and detached from the moving member in a predetermined attaching and detaching position of the non-size regulation region and prohibit the regulating member from being detached from the moving member in a detachment prohibition region of the moving region excluding the attaching and detaching position.