Sheet Processing Unit Caster Retraction for Uneven Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sheet processing and accommodating apparatuses face usability issues due to casters interrupting movement when the installation surface is uneven, leading to impaired functionality.

Innovation Solution

A configuration with multiple casters and a support portion that allows the caster to move between accommodation and support positions, ensuring smooth movement and usability even on uneven surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a caster is provided on the draw-out unit to assist the draw-out operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the installation surface is uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of draw-out operationVSAvoidreliability of apparatus movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The caster is designed to be movable between a support position (where it contacts the installation surface to assist draw-out operation) and an accommodation position (where it is retracted into the housing). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its structure based on operational needs, providing caster support only when necessary while avoiding interference during apparatus movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The caster support function is separated from the main apparatus body by providing it as a movable component on the draw-out unit. The support portion can independently move between support and accommodation positions, allowing the draw-out unit to have caster assistance when needed while the main apparatus maintains stable movement without caster interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a caster is provided on the draw-out unit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of draw-out operationVSAvoidcomplexity of caster mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support portion is integrated with the housing structure, and the caster is combined with the draw-out unit. The support portion moves together with the draw-out unit between support and accommodation positions, merging the support function with the existing draw-out mechanism rather than adding a completely separate system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support portion automatically moves between support and accommodation positions in conjunction with the draw-out unit's movement. The system self-regulates the caster's position based on whether the draw-out unit is extended or retracted, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250214801A1Sheet processing apparatus, sheet accommodating apparatus, and image forming system

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 CANON FINETECH NISCA INC

AI summary

A sheet processing apparatus includes a plurality of casters, a processing unit, another caster and a support portion. The plurality of casters movably support the sheet processing apparatus. The processing unit is provided to be capable of being drawn out from and inserted into the sheet processing apparatus. The other caster is provided in the processing unit and comes into contact with an installation surface and supports the processing unit in a case where the processing unit moves in a draw-out direction. The support portion supports the other caster such that the other caster is movable to an accommodation position and a support position and move the other caster from the support position to the accommodation position in accordance with an operation of inserting the processing unit.