Sheet Container Regulation Unit Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet containers for image forming apparatuses face challenges in accurately regulating the position of sheets of varying sizes due to the need for manual adjustment of the regulation unit, which can lead to unintended displacement and errors in sheet conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A sheet container with a movable regulation unit that includes an operating member, a holding member, a fixing member, and a cover, allowing for secure engagement with engaged portions to maintain the regulation unit's position, preventing unintentional movement and ensuring accurate sheet alignment regardless of standard or non-standard sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the regulation unit is made movable to accommodate various sheet sizes, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The regulation unit is designed to be movable during operation to accommodate different sheet sizes, but becomes fixed when engaged with the engaged portions. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between movable and fixed states based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple engaged portions positioned at different locations, allowing the regulation unit to be fixed at various positions corresponding to different sheet sizes. This segmentation enables both movability for adjustment and reliability for positioning.
2Ease of operation
If the control lever is disposed above the regulation unit for easy recognition, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cover structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is merged with the fixing mechanism, where the cover serves dual purposes: protecting the control lever and providing the engagement interface with the engaged portions. This integration reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a protective cover for the control lever and as an engagement component that interacts with the engaged portions to fix the regulation unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet container to contain a sheet includes a support unit including a plurality of engaged portions and supports the contained sheet, a moveable regulation unit that contacts a sheet end to regulate the sheet in position. The regulation unit includes an operating member held by a holding member and a fixing member movable with the operating member covered by a cover. The fixing member is movable between an engaging position at which the fixing member engages with one of the plurality of engaged portions and a non-engaged position at which the fixing member does not engage with one of the plurality of engaged portions. The operating member is engageable with the cover. The regulation unit is kept fixed to the support unit by the fixing member engaging with one of the plurality of engaged portions, with the cover engaging with the operating member.