Sheet Cassette Energy Storage Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as copying machines and printers, face operability issues due to increased force requirements for inserting and withdrawing sheet cassettes, as the weight of the sheets and frictional forces within the guide rails and locking mechanisms hinder easy insertion and withdrawal.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a sheet accommodating member that includes a moving member to charge energy, which is then used by a retractor to facilitate easy insertion and withdrawal by engaging with a rack member within the apparatus main body, utilizing mechanisms like bevel gears and one-way clutches to manage energy transfer and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a sheet accommodating member is made to accommodate a large number of sheets, then the sheet accommodating member can store more sheets, but the weight of the sheet accommodating member increases and the frictional force increases, requiring a larger operation force for insertion and withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of sheets accommodatedVSAvoidoperation force for insertion and withdrawal

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The charge spring is pre-charged with energy during the insertion process, storing potential energy that will be used to assist withdrawal. The lock member is engaged during insertion to hold the charged spring in a compressed state, preparing the system in advance for easier withdrawal without requiring additional manual force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The frictional force and weight that normally hinder withdrawal are countered by converting the insertion action into energy storage. The charge spring, compressed during insertion, transforms the work done during insertion into stored energy that benefits the withdrawal operation, turning the otherwise harmful friction and weight into an opportunity for energy accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Extent of automation

If a draw-in mechanism with a charge spring is used to retract the sheet cassette, then automatic withdrawal is achieved, but a user has to pull with a large force opposing the charge spring force for withdrawing the sheet cassette

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic withdrawal capabilityVSAvoidforce required for manual withdrawal

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary charging of the spring during the insertion phase, so that when withdrawal is needed, the energy is already stored and ready to assist. The lock member engages the charged spring in advance, preparing the retraction mechanism before withdrawal begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using the charge spring to push the cassette out during insertion, the system inverts the approach by charging the spring during insertion and then using that stored energy to assist withdrawal. The lock member and ratchet mechanism enable this reversal of the spring's作用 timing and direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a lock mechanism is engaged to hold the sheet cassette at a predetermined position, then the sheet cassette is securely locked, but the operation force for setting the sheet accommodating member is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation force for setting

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member combines multiple functions into a single component: it locks the charge spring in the charged state, engages with the rack member to prevent backward movement, and works with the ratchet mechanism to control the withdrawal motion. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member and ratchet mechanism are designed to engage and disengage automatically based on the movement direction and spring force, reducing the manual effort required. The system uses the spring's own force and the mechanical geometry to achieve locking and unlocking without requiring additional actuation force from the user.

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

This solution enhances the ease of inserting and withdrawing sheet cassettes by reducing the operational force needed, improving overall usability by leveraging energy storage and controlled release mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a charge spring that charges energy interlockingly with drawing of the sheet cassette

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10281864B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2019.05.07 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

Provided is an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet accommodating member that accommodates a sheet and is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from an apparatus main body, and the image forming apparatus includes: a moving member movably supported in the sheet accommodating member; a charge member that is charged with energy by a movement of the moving member; and a retractor that retracts the sheet accommodating member into the apparatus main body by the energy charged in the charge member, when the sheet accommodating member is inserted into the apparatus main body.