Sheet Feed Tray Regulating Wall Engagement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet feed tray mechanisms for image forming apparatuses face issues where strong external forces can unintentionally release the engaging state between the regulating wall member and the tray, leading to unintended movement, and increasing the spring constant to enhance holding force complicates the operation of changing the regulating wall member's position.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an elastic unit with an elastic deformation regulating unit that controls the deformation amount, allowing the engaging state to be maintained even under strong external forces without increasing the spring constant, and includes a releasing operation unit that increases deformation to release the engaging state, along with a second engagement member that enhances holding force through reaction forces, providing tactile feedback for standard sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring constant of the coil spring is increased to enhance the holding force, then the reliability of maintaining the engaging state is improved, but the ease of operation for changing the regulating wall member's position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of spring constant to increase the holding force of the coil spring, ensuring that the engaging state is maintained even under strong external forces. This resolves the reliability aspect of the contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a releasing operation unit that dynamically changes the deformation amount of the coil spring. When the releasing operation unit is operated, the deformation amount increases, allowing the engaging state to be released. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation despite the increased spring constant.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the spring constant is increased to prevent unintended movement under strong external forces, then the stability of the engaging state is improved, but the force required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a releasing operation unit as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the engaging state. This intermediary provides a mechanical advantage, allowing the user to operate the mechanism with reduced force while still achieving the necessary deformation to release the engaging state.
Solution Approach 2:
The releasing operation unit dynamically adjusts the deformation amount of the coil spring, transitioning from a small deformation state (for stability) to a large deformation state (for release). This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain stability during normal operation while enabling easy release when needed.
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
This approach prevents unintended movement of the regulating wall member under strong external forces without increasing the holding force, maintaining operational ease and providing tactile feedback for easy positioning, thus enhancing the usability and reliability of the sheet feed tray.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic unit which generates elastic force so as to hold an engaging state between the regulating wall member and the tray
Implementation Method 2
When a deformation amount of the elastic unit increases, the engaging state is released
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feed tray including a regulating wall member being assembled in a displaceable manner with a placing tray, which includes a first tray side engagement portion, and regulating a position of a recording medium such that a wall portion of the regulating wall member contacts with the end portion of the recording medium, a first engagement member being disposed in the regulating wall member and including a first regulating wall member side engagement portion, the first regulating wall member engaging with the first tray side engagement portion regulates a displacement of the regulating wall member, an elastic unit being elastically deformable and generating a force for holding an engaging state between the first tray side engagement portion and the first regulating wall member side engagement portion, an elastic deformation regulating unit regulating a deformation amount of the elastic unit, and releasing operation unit releasing the engaging state.