Sheet Loading Unit Cursor Guide Rib Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sheet loading units, a gap between the sheet loading face and the cursor base can cause the sheet edge to enter the gap, preventing the cursor rising portion from restricting the sheet's position, leading to misalignment and improper sheet placement in both manual feeding trays and other sheet loading units.
Innovation Solution
The sheet loading unit incorporates a cursor member with a cursor base, a rising portion, and a connecting portion, featuring a face connecting portion with a pair of ribs, where the upper edge extends horizontally and the inclined edge guides the sheet edge to prevent it from entering the gap, ensuring smooth alignment and restriction of the sheet's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is formed between the sheet loading face and the cursor base, then the cursor member can be moved inward in the width direction, but the sheet edge may enter the gap and fail to be restricted by the cursor rising portion
Solution Approach 1:
The face connecting portion acts as an intermediary structure between the sheet loading face and the cursor base. It includes an inclined edge that guides the sheet edge and prevents it from entering the gap, while still allowing the cursor member to move inward. This mediator structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both smooth cursor movement and reliable sheet position restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the sheet loading face and cursor base, which initially causes the sheet edge to enter and fail restriction, is converted into a beneficial feature. The face connecting portion with its inclined edge utilizes this gap space to create a guiding surface that actively directs the sheet edge away from the gap, transforming the harmful gap into a functional guiding feature.
2Manufacturing precision
If the cursor rising portion contacts the sheet edge directly, then the sheet position is restricted, but the sheet edge may droop and enter the gap when the cursor member moves inward
Solution Approach 1:
The face connecting portion with the inclined edge performs a preliminary action by guiding and supporting the sheet edge before the cursor rising portion makes contact. This preliminary guidance prevents the sheet edge from drooping into the gap during cursor movement, ensuring that when the cursor rising portion contacts the sheet edge, the sheet is already properly positioned and aligned.
Solution Approach 2:
The face connecting portion provides beforehand cushioning support to the sheet edge as the cursor member moves inward. The inclined edge creates a gradual transition that supports the sheet edge weight and prevents sudden drooping, cushioning the sheet against the harmful effect of gravity during the cursor movement process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure includes a pair of cursor members (620) movable in a width direction, and guide grooves configured to guide the cursor member to move in the width direction. The cursor member includes a cursor base (621), a cursor rising portion (623) being in contact with or in proximity to an end of the sheet, and a connecting portion (640). The cursor base has a cursor plane extending in parallel to a sheet loading face (615)with a difference of step with respect to the sheet loading face. An edge in the width direction of the cursor base extends linearly. The connecting portion extends from the sheet loading face side to a reverse side via the guide groove at a portion in the feeding direction of the inside edge of the cursor base. The connecting portion has a face connecting portion (642) which connects the sheet loading face with the cursor plane smoothly.