Multi-stage Sheet Ejection Tray Level Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current office service machines, such as copiers and scanners, often have single-mode sheet ejection trays that can cause sheets to warp or curl when the exit position is far from the tray, leading to paper jams and disrupted document output.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage sheet ejection device with a level adjusting structure featuring a body with vertically arranged stages and horizontally movable sliding elements, allowing the tray to be manually or electrically adjusted to different levels to accommodate varying sheet quantities and weights, preventing warping and curling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-mode sheet ejection tray is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sheets may warp or curl when the exit position is far from the tray
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tray level adjustable rather than fixed. The tray can be positioned at multiple levels (first, second, or third level) depending on the sheet stacking conditions, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different operational scenarios and prevent sheet warping or curling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tray's vertical position into discrete levels (first, second, third levels) rather than allowing continuous adjustment. This segmentation provides practical adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure, resolving the contradiction between complexity and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the tray level is fixed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different sheet quantities and weights is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tray level is made dynamically adjustable based on sheet stacking conditions (quantity and weight). The system can switch between fixed first-level operation and adjustable multi-level operation, providing both ease of operation for simple cases and adaptability for varying sheet conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The tray system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate at a fixed first level for simple cases and adjust to second or third levels when sheet conditions require it. This multi-functionality ensures both ease of operation and adaptability to different sheet quantities and weights
3Volume of moving object
If the exit position is far from the sheet ejection tray, then the device compactness is improved, but the sheets may warp or curl after ejection
Solution Approach 1:
By making the tray level dynamically adjustable, the system can optimize the distance between the exit position and tray surface based on sheet conditions. When sheets are stacked higher (second or third level), the tray surface is closer to the exit, preventing sheet warping while maintaining compact device footprint
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-stage sheet ejection device including a tray and a level adjusting structure is provided. The level adjusting structure includes a body and a sliding element. The body has a plurality of stages arranged on a vertical surface of the body in order. The sliding element is disposed on the body and horizontally movable with respect to the vertical surface of the body. Through the movement of the sliding element, the tray can be controlled to move on the vertical surface stage by stage and be supported on one of the stages in sequence.