Sheet Storage Cover Torque Retention for Easy Opening and Secure Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet storage devices with pivotable covers lack effective mechanisms to manage the opening and closing torque, leading to inefficient operation and assembly challenges.

Innovation Solution

A sheet storage device with a torque retention mechanism that includes separate shafts and torque retention mechanisms on opposing frames to generate resistance torque during closure, allowing easy opening and requiring substantial force for closure, enhancing operational control and assembly efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single torque retention mechanism is used for the cover, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly is more difficult and torque control is less effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque retention structureVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The torque retention mechanism is divided into two independent sub-mechanisms: a first torque retention mechanism on the first frame and a second torque retention mechanism on the second frame. Each mechanism independently supports one end of the cover, enabling separate assembly and adjustment operations that simplify the overall assembly process while maintaining effective torque control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each torque retention mechanism is locally optimized for its specific position on the frame. The first torque retention mechanism is configured for the first end of the cover, while the second torque retention mechanism is configured for the second end, allowing localized adjustment and optimization of torque characteristics at each support point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If no torque retention mechanism is used, then the cover opens and closes freely, but the cover cannot be securely closed and may remain in unintended positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover opening easeVSAvoidcover closure security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The torque retention mechanisms are pre-configured to generate resistance torque that opposes unintended cover movement. When the cover is in the closed position, the mechanisms maintain a predetermined torque relationship that prevents accidental opening, while still allowing intentional opening when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the torque parameter based on cover position. In the open position, minimal resistance is provided for easy opening. In the closed position, the mechanisms establish a predetermined torque relationship that provides secure closure while maintaining controlled operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single torque retention mechanism is used, then the device is simpler, but the torque control during closure is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism quantityVSAvoidclosure torque

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The closure torque is distributed across two independent torque retention mechanisms rather than relying on a single mechanism. This segmentation allows each mechanism to contribute to the overall torque control, providing sufficient closure force while keeping individual mechanism complexity low.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second torque retention mechanisms work together in combination to provide the total closure torque. By merging the torque contributions from both mechanisms, the system achieves effective torque control that would be difficult to obtain with a single mechanism of comparable simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The torque retention mechanism facilitates easy opening of the cover with minimal effort and ensures secure closure, improving usability and assembly convenience while maintaining the cover in any position between open and closed states.

Implementation Method 1

The torque retention mechanism is configured to generate a resistance torque against rotation of the shaft when the cover pivots to the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS12515900B2Sheet storage device and image formation system including same

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sheet storage device includes first and second frames, a cover, and a torque retention mechanism that includes a shaft to rotate in conjunction with pivoting of the cover, and generates a resistance torque against rotation of the shaft when the cover pivots to a closed position. The torque retention mechanism includes a first torque retention mechanism and a second torque retention mechanism. A shaft of the first torque retention mechanism is attached to a first support part disposed on a first frame side, while a shaft of the second torque retention mechanism is attached to a second support part disposed on a second frame side.