Sheet Conveyance Door Pivot and Integrated Handle for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet conveyance apparatuses have issues with maintainability and external appearance due to the positioning of handles and pivot shafts, leading to insufficient opening space and multiple component boundaries.
Innovation Solution
A sheet conveyance apparatus with a door pivotally supported around a lower pivot axis, featuring a single integrated handle for lifting, and a lock mechanism that enhances stability and usability while minimizing component boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle portions are disposed below the double-sided cover with the pivot shaft positioned above them, then the handles can be used for carrying the copying machine, but the opening portion formed when the cover is opened becomes smaller, causing insufficient maintainability
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot shaft is repositioned from an upper position to a lower position on the apparatus body, changing the spatial dimension of the hinge axis. This dimensional change allows the handle to be positioned above the pivot shaft, creating sufficient clearance for maintenance access while preserving the carrying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional arrangement is inverted: instead of positioning the pivot shaft above the handle, the pivot shaft is positioned below the handle. This inversion resolves the conflict between carryability and maintainability by creating adequate opening space for maintenance while keeping the handle accessible for carrying.
2Ease of operation
If the right-front handle portion and right-back handle portion are separate members disposed separated from each other, then they can be used as handles, but more boundary lines between components are formed in the right side surface, causing poor external appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate handle portions are merged into a single integrated handle member that spans from the front to the back of the apparatus. This merging eliminates the boundary line between separate handle components, improving external appearance while maintaining the functionality of multiple grip points.
Solution Approach 2:
A single handle member performs multiple functions: it provides both the right-front handle portion and right-back handle portion for carrying operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate handle components, reducing boundary lines and improving appearance.
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
Improves maintainability and reduces component complexity, enhancing operational stability and external appearance by allowing a larger opening and reducing the number of boundaries, thus improving user experience and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a brake unit configured to produce a first frictional force between the sheet support portion and the regulation portion in a case where the regulation portion moves toward the second direction, and produce a second frictional force larger than the first frictional force between the sheet support portion and the regulation portion in a case where the regulation portion moves toward the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes an apparatus body including a conveyance assembly to convey a sheet, and a door pivotally supported around a pivot axis disposed in a lower portion of the apparatus body such that the door is opened and closed with respect to the apparatus body. The apparatus body includes a handle assembly including a first holder used to lift the apparatus body and is disposed inside a width of the door in an axis direction of the pivot axis. The handle assembly includes a first engaging section and a second engaging section disposed on the pivot axis, wherein the door includes a first engaged section to engage with the first engaging section and a second engaged section to engage with the second engaging section. The door is pivotably supported around the first engaging section and the second engaging section with respect to the handle assembly.