Sheet Cassette Positioning Mechanism for Paper Size Adjustment

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image-forming apparatuses require cumbersome manual operations to adjust the rear-end guide for different paper sizes, involving removal, repositioning, and reinsertion of the paper-feeding cassette, which is time-consuming and troublesome.

Innovation Solution

An image-forming apparatus with a sheet cassette and body section where the sheet-position-limiting member can be adjusted by simply drawing out the cassette, using a rack gear and pinion gear mechanism to position the limiting member according to the amount of drawing, simplifying the process of changing paper sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the rear-end guide is made adjustable for different paper sizes, then the adaptability to different paper sizes is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome manual adjustment procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different paper sizesVSAvoidease of adjusting rear-end guide

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-position-limiting member automatically positions itself based on the amount the sheet cassette is drawn out. The cassette body has guide grooves that guide the limiting member to predetermined positions corresponding to different paper sizes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple predetermined positions for the sheet-position-limiting member along the guide grooves, corresponding to standard paper sizes. When the cassette is drawn out, the limiting member automatically moves to the appropriate position based on the draw amount, so the positioning action is prepared in advance rather than requiring manual selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the rear-end guide is located on the far side of the paper-feeding cassette, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing and adjusting the guide

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability of cassetteVSAvoidease of accessing rear-end guide

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-position-limiting member is configured to move along the longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) of the cassette rather than requiring lateral access from the side. This dimensional change in the adjustment direction makes the operation more accessible while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment of the rear-end guide is required, then the manufacturing precision can be optimized, but the loss of time increases due to multiple manual operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of rear-end guide positioningVSAvoidtime for changing paper sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sheet-position-limiting member automatically positions itself based on the amount the sheet cassette is drawn out. The cassette body has guide grooves that guide the limiting member to predetermined positions corresponding to different paper sizes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-establishes multiple predetermined positions for the sheet-position-limiting member along the guide grooves, corresponding to standard paper sizes. When the cassette is drawn out, the limiting member automatically moves to the appropriate position based on the draw amount, so the positioning action is prepared in advance rather than requiring manual selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 configuration allows for effortless adjustment of paper sizes by merely altering the cassette's draw amount, reducing manual labor and simplifying operations for paper size changes, while also facilitating easier removal and replenishment of the cassette.

Implementation Method 1

the sheet-position-limiting member comprises a rack gear extending along the first direction; the limiting-member-position-initializing means comprises a pinion gear corresponding to the rack gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRack and Pinion: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentUS7648135B2Image-forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.01.19 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A body section of an image-forming apparatus accommodates a sheet cassette such that the sheet cassette can be drawn out along a first direction. The sheet cassette has a sheet-position-limiting member. When the sheet cassette is empty of image-recording media, the sheet-position-limiting member is moved in the first direction to a predetermined initial position. When the sheet cassette is drawn out in the first direction, the sheet-position-limiting member moves in a second direction in relation to the sheet cassette. The body section and the sheet cassette are configured such that the sheet-position-limiting member is positioned according to the amount of drawing of the sheet cassette.