Sheet Positioning Member with Cam Mechanism for Automatic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paper cassettes face operability issues due to the complexity of positioning members that require manual displacement and repositioning for sheet storage, which complicates the process of inserting and aligning sheets correctly.
Innovation Solution
A sheet positioning member with a moving body, abutting portion, operation member, and cam portion that allows for easy alignment and regulation of sheets by pivoting and displacing the abutting portion using a lever and circular arc cam, enabling sheets to be stored without pre-adjusting the positioning members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional positioning members are used to regulate sheets, then sheet positioning function is provided, but the structure becomes complex and requires manual displacement and repositioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member automatically positions sheets without requiring manual adjustment by the user. When sheets are placed on the sheet placing surface, the positioning member autonomously regulates them to the correct position, eliminating the need for users to manually displace and reposition components.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the positioning member and the sheet stack. The cam portion receives pressing force from the positioning member and converts it into lateral displacement of the abutting portion, enabling automatic positioning without direct manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If positioning members require manual displacement for sheet alignment, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the operation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member is pre-configured with an abutting portion that automatically engages with the sheet stack when sheets are placed. The cam mechanism is pre-arranged to convert pressing motion into lateral displacement, so positioning action occurs automatically without requiring preliminary manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning through the automatic interaction between the positioning member and cam portion. When sheets are loaded, the mechanism autonomously completes the positioning action, eliminating time spent on manual displacement and repositioning operations.
3Ease of operation
If a simple positioning structure is used, then ease of operation improves, but the ability to accurately regulate and position sheets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning member transitions from a static structure to a dynamic mechanism that can laterally displace. The abutting portion moves side-to-side along the moving body through the cam mechanism, enabling accurate positioning while maintaining operational simplicity. This dynamic capability allows the simple structure to achieve precise sheet regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam portion utilizes a curved surface geometry to convert vertical pressing motion into lateral displacement of the abutting portion. This curved mechanism enables precise positioning control through a simple pressing action, maintaining ease of operation while achieving accurate sheet alignment.
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 simplifies the sheet storage process by allowing sheets to be easily inserted and aligned without pre-adjusting the positioning members, enhancing operability and reducing user complexity in managing the sheet stack within the paper cassette.
Implementation Method 1
The cam portion is configured to displace the abutting portion toward the side end portion of the sheet by being pressed by the operation member in response to a pivoting operation of the operation member
Implementation Method 2
The operation member is supported by the moving body so as to be pivotable around a support shaft that extends in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet positioning member is provided on a sheet placing surface in such a way as to be movable in a predetermined first direction. The sheet positioning member includes a moving body, an abutting portion, an operation member, and a cam portion. The moving body moves in the first direction on the sheet placing surface. The abutting portion has an abutting surface that abuts on the side end portion when the sheet positioning member positions the sheet. The operation member is supported by the moving body so as to be pivotable around a support shaft that extends in the first direction, on a side of a back surface of the abutting portion. The cam portion displaces the abutting portion toward the side end portion by being pressed by the operation member in response to a pivoting operation of the operation member.