Sheet Feeding Apparatus Frame Rigidity Skew Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet feeding apparatuses lack adequate rigidity, leading to potential skewing and improper feeding of sheets, especially when transitioning between document and ejection trays.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a frame member with a first tray portion and a feeder that extends inward in the width direction, providing additional support and guiding mechanisms to prevent skewing, with the first tray portion being integrally formed with a feed chute and guide members to ensure stable sheet feeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the trays are made with simple structure to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but rigidity becomes inadequate leading to sheet skewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by positioning the frame member between the document tray and ejection tray in the width direction. The frame member's tray portion extends vertically to provide support at multiple heights, creating a three-dimensional support structure that enhances rigidity without requiring complex planar designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structural system by integrating the frame member with both the document tray and ejection tray. This composite structure combines multiple components (frame member, tray portions, support walls) to achieve superior rigidity compared to individual tray structures, while maintaining modular simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the tray structure is simplified to ease manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sheet feeding accuracy deteriorates due to inadequate rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into separate functional segments: the frame member, the tray portions, and the support walls. Each segment has a specific function and can be manufactured independently using simple processes, yet when assembled they create a rigid structure that ensures accurate sheet feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame member acts as an intermediary structure between the document tray and ejection tray. It provides the necessary rigidity and alignment without requiring complex modifications to either tray, serving as a mediating support element that ensures feeding accuracy while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Strength
If additional support structures are added to improve rigidity, then tray rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides sheet movement, maintains alignment between trays, and prevents skewing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, achieving high rigidity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support function with the tray structure itself by integrating support walls into the tray design and positioning the frame member as part of the overall tray assembly. This consolidation provides enhanced rigidity while avoiding the need for separate, complex support mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a first tray, a frame member, and a feeder. The frame member includes a first wall portion facing in a width direction and a first tray portion disposed above the first tray and extending inward in the width direction from the first wall portion. The first tray has a first end on a side far from the feeder. The first tray portion of the frame member has a second end on the side far from the feeder and a third end on a side near the feeder. The second end is closer to the feeder than the first end. The first wall portion extends from the third end toward the first end.