Sheet Stacking Cassette Securing Mechanism for Transportation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet stacking apparatuses face damage during transportation due to vibrations or impacts, as the intermediate plate is movable and lacks effective securing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A sheet stacking apparatus with a movable member that raises and lowers sheets, featuring a restricting member which secures the intermediate plate in a restricted position during transportation and allows it to rise when ejected, using a securing member and urging member to pivot and engage/disengage as necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the intermediate plate is made movable to raise and lower sheets during operation, then the sheet feeding function is improved, but the intermediate plate becomes vulnerable to damage during transportation due to vibrations or impacts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet feeding functionVSAvoidintermediate plate durability during transportation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing member is designed to dynamically change its state between a restricting position (during transportation) and a non-restricting position (during operation). This is achieved through a pivotable connection that allows the securing member to automatically adapt its function based on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between movement capability and transportation protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing member is positioned and configured to prevent harmful movements of the intermediate plate before transportation damage can occur. By establishing a restricting position that counteracts vibrations and impacts in advance, the system protects the intermediate plate without interfering with its normal operation when the securing member is released.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If cushioning materials or intermediate-plate retainers are used to protect the intermediate plate during transportation, then the intermediate plate is protected from damage, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermediate plate protection during transportationVSAvoidsecuring mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing member is designed to be automatically positioned and secured without requiring external cushioning materials or complex retainer mechanisms. The pivotable connection and urging member enable the system to self-secure the intermediate plate during transportation and self-release during operation, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The securing member serves multiple functions: it acts as a restricting member during transportation, a securing mechanism during movement, and automatically releases during operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cushioning materials and retainers, reducing device complexity while achieving the same protective effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the restricting member permanently restricts the movable member during transportation, then the intermediate plate is securely protected, but the sheet feeding function cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintermediate plate security during transportationVSAvoidsheet feeding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing member is designed with a pivotable connection that allows it to dynamically transition between a restricting position (during transportation) and a non-restricting position (during operation). This dynamic adaptability ensures that the intermediate plate is protected when needed while maintaining full operational capability when the securing member is released.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The securing member is positioned in advance to restrict the intermediate plate during transportation, and then automatically released when operation is required. This preliminary securing action followed by automatic release resolves the contradiction between protection and operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively secures the intermediate plate during transportation, preventing damage and allowing easy release for operation, reducing user effort and cost, while maintaining functionality without complex mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

the restricting member moves from the restricted position to a permitted position at which the movable member is permitted to rise

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS9828196B2Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.11.28 CANON KK

AI summary

A cassette in which sheets are stacked is electable from an apparatus main body. An intermediate plate is provided in the cassette that is movable to raise and lower the stacked sheets. A securing member that restricts the cassette from being raised when at a restricted position is provided, where, in response to movement of ejecting the stacking unit from the apparatus main body, the securing member moves to a permitted position that enables the movable member to rise.