Sheet Feed Device Cover Interference and Position Restriction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet feed devices experience reduced operability during sheet supplying operations due to interference from the uppermost portion of the openable cover when sheets are depleted, hindering the efficient supply of sheets.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a position restricting member that moves with the openable cover to prevent interference with the sheets, allowing for higher operability by positioning the sheets correctly when the cover is opened, and using a combination of first and second position restricting members with recess or protruding portions to accommodate different sheet sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the openable cover is opened for sheet supplying, then the user can access the stacking tray, but the uppermost portion of the openable cover interferes with the sheets and hinders the sheet supplying operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet supplying operationVSAvoidinterference from openable cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The position restricting member is extracted from the openable cover structure and configured to move independently with the cover. This separates the sheet positioning function from the cover's uppermost portion, allowing the cover to open fully without interfering with the sheets while the position restricting member continues to guide sheet placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The position restricting member acts as an intermediary between the openable cover and the sheets. It translates the cover's opening motion into controlled sheet positioning, mediating the interaction between the cover and sheets to prevent interference while maintaining proper sheet alignment during supply operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the position restricting member is fixed to the openable cover, then it moves with the cover to prevent interference, but it may not properly position sheets of different sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet supplying operationVSAvoidaccommodation of different sheet sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The position restricting member is configured to move dynamically with the openable cover's opening and closing motion. This dynamic positioning allows the member to adapt its location relative to the sheets during different phases of operation, enabling it to guide sheets of various sizes effectively while preventing interference when the cover is open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position restricting member is designed with universal functionality to accommodate different sheet sizes. By moving with the openable cover, it can adjust its position to properly guide various sheet dimensions, making it adaptable to multiple sheet formats while maintaining its interference-prevention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10577202B2Sheet feed device and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 SHARP KK

AI summary

A sheet feed device includes: a stacking tray on which sheets are stacked in such a manner as to be capable of being lifted and lowered; and a position restricting member configured to come into contact with a sheet end portion to restrict a position of the sheets. The position restricting member is provided to an opening/closing member capable of being opened and closed. When the opening/closing member is closed, the position restricting member restricts a position of the sheet end portion in an opening/closing direction of the opening/closing member.