Sheet Loading Tray with Movable Extension for Sensor Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet loading devices in image forming apparatuses require multiple detection sensors to distinguish between large and intermediate size sheets, leading to increased cost and complexity in structure and control.
Innovation Solution
A sheet loading device with a tray system that includes a main tray, an extension tray, and a first detection part with a sensor that switches between ON and OFF states based on sheet size, using a single sensor to differentiate between small, intermediate, and large size sheets by adjusting the position of the extension tray and contact pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detection sensors are used to distinguish between large and intermediate size sheets, then sheet size detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple detection sensors into a single sensor by using the extension tray's movable structure. The extension tray can be positioned in different states (extended or retracted) to work with the single sensor to detect different sheet sizes, thereby merging what would traditionally require multiple sensors into one integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension tray is designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions, creating a dynamic detection system. By changing the physical state of the extension tray, the single sensor can detect different sheet sizes that would otherwise require multiple static sensors, enabling one sensor to perform multiple detection functions.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection sensors are used to distinguish between large and intermediate size sheets, then sheet size detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection functions into a single sensor system combined with the extension tray mechanism. This reduces the bill of materials and assembly complexity, leading to lower manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to detect multiple sheet sizes accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions by working in conjunction with the movable extension tray. The sensor detects different sheet sizes through the changing configuration of the extension tray, making the sensor universal for detecting small, intermediate, and large sizes without requiring dedicated sensors for each size category.
3Measurement precision
If multiple detection sensors are used to distinguish between large and intermediate size sheets, then sheet size detection accuracy is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system manages the dynamic position of the extension tray to work with the single sensor. By controlling the extension tray's movement between extended and retracted states, the system enables the single sensor to detect different sheet sizes, simplifying the control architecture compared to managing multiple static sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the single sensor combined with the known state of the extension tray position to determine sheet size. The control system processes the sensor signal in conjunction with the extension tray's positional information, providing a feedback mechanism that enables accurate detection without requiring multiple independent sensor signals.
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 configuration allows for accurate sheet size detection using only two sensors, reducing the number of sensors needed and simplifying the device's structure and control, while effectively distinguishing between different sheet sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The first detection part includes a first sensor; a first detected piece turnably supported by the extension tray to switch the first sensor between an ON state and an OFF state
Implementation Method 2
a first contact piece turnably supported by the first detected piece, and protruding above and retracting below the sheet loading surface. In a state where the extension tray is arranged in the extension position, when the first size sheet is not loaded on the extension tray, the first contact piece is turned so as to protrude above the sheet loading surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking device includes a tray having a sheet loading surface on which a sheet fed in a predetermined feeding direction is loaded. The tray includes a main tray, an extension tray and a first detection part. The first detection part includes a first sensor, a first detected piece and a first contact piece. The first detected piece is turnably supported by the extension tray and switches the first sensor between an ON state and an OFF state. The first contact piece is turnably supported by the first detected piece, and protrudes above and retracts below the sheet loading surface.