Sheet Cassette Regulation Plate Positioning Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet feeding cassettes in image forming apparatuses face issues with the regulation plate displacement, leading to reduced print precision and jam occurrence due to unreliable engagement mechanisms and user errors.
Innovation Solution
A sheet supporting apparatus with a regulation unit that includes a body portion, an engagement portion, and a regulation portion, where the engagement portion can be moved between engagement and separation positions, and is fixed using a screw or spacer to prevent positional displacement, ensuring accurate sheet positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple engagement mechanism with projections and concave portions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the regulation plate positioning is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation plate is preliminarily positioned by the engagement portion engaging with the supporting portion at a predetermined position before final fixation. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate sheet positioning while the subsequent fixation by the fixing component maintains this position reliably, preventing displacement during sheet feeding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement portion acts as an intermediary element between the regulation plate and the supporting portion. It provides a reliable mechanical connection that ensures accurate positioning of the regulation plate at predetermined locations, while the fixing component secures this intermediary engagement to prevent displacement.
2Ease of operation
If the regulation plate can be easily moved by user operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of wrong operation and displacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user can easily move the regulation plate to preliminarily position it at the desired location. Once positioned, the fixing component automatically or manually secures the regulation plate at this predetermined position, preventing wrong operation from causing displacement while maintaining ease of initial adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing component provides self-service functionality by automatically engaging or being easily activated to secure the regulation plate in its positioned state. This self-securing mechanism prevents wrong operation without requiring complex locking procedures, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet supporting apparatus includes a cassette body supporting a sheet, a regulation device disposed on the cassette body in a moving direction and regulating a position of an edge of the sheet, and a plurality of engaged portions disposed on the cassette body. The regulation device includes a body portion, an engaging portion moving between an engagement position at which the engaging portion engages with one of the engaged portions and a separation position at which the engaging portion is separated from the engaged portions, an operation member pivotably supported on the body portion and operated between a first posture at which the operation member positions the engaging portion at the engagement position and a second posture at which the operation member positions the engaging portion at the separation position, and a retention portion retaining the operation member at the first posture.