Sheet Discharge Support Segmentation for Handedness Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as copiers and printers, have a sheet discharge mechanism that is difficult for left-handed operators to use due to the design of the discharged sheet supporting portion, which limits the methods for taking out sheets, especially when the sheets are small or displaced in the width direction.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a discharged sheet supporting portion with a base surface, a first projection portion extending in the width direction orthogonal to the sheet discharge direction, and a second projection portion positioned downstream with a predetermined interval, allowing for easier sheet handling and support, enabling left-handed operators to easily remove sheets by inserting their hand between these projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single recess portion is provided for sheet removal, then the structure is simple, but left-handed operators cannot easily remove sheets
Solution Approach 1:
The single recess portion is divided into multiple recess portions (first recess portion and second recess portion) positioned at different locations on the supporting surface. This segmentation allows operators to remove sheets from different sides, accommodating both right-handed and left-handed users without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the supporting surface are provided with different types of recess portions tailored to specific needs. The first recess portion is optimized for right-handed operators while the second recess portion serves left-handed operators, creating localized solutions that improve overall accessibility without redesigning the entire structure.
2Ease of operation
If the downstream side is on the right side, then right-handed operators can easily take out sheets, but left-handed operators face difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting surface is designed with multiple recess portions that serve different functions for different user groups. The first recess portion accommodates right-handed operators while the second recess portion serves left-handed operators, making the device universally accessible to users with different handedness preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting surface incorporates asymmetric features through the strategic placement of recess portions at different locations. This asymmetry allows the structure to adapt to different operational patterns of right-handed and left-handed users, enhancing versatility without requiring symmetric design compromises.
3Ease of operation
If only one method of sheet removal is provided, then the structure is simple, but small or displaced sheets are difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting surface is segmented into multiple functional zones with different recess portions positioned at various locations. This segmentation provides multiple sheet removal methods, allowing operators to choose the most appropriate method based on sheet size and position, while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet discharge apparatus includes a discharge unit, a supporting portion, and a regulation portion. The discharge unit is configured to discharge a sheet. The supporting portion is configured to support the discharged sheet. The regulation portion is configured to regulate a trailing edge position of the discharged sheet in a sheet discharge direction. The supporting portion includes a base surface, a first projection portion, and a second projection portion. The first projection portion projects from the base surface, is disposed downstream of the regulation portion in the sheet discharge direction, and extends in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet discharge direction. The second projection portion projects from the base surface, is disposed downstream of the first projection portion in the sheet discharge direction with a predetermined interval from the first projection portion, and is shorter than the first projection portion in the width direction.