Sheet Stacking Extension Mechanism for Longer Output Tray Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet stacking sections in image forming apparatuses have limitations in extending the stacking capacity due to fixed relative positions between the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking portion, leading to inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacking section design that allows for a relative movement between the rotation axis and the extension member, enabling the extension member to move on a trajectory that lowers the highest position, thereby increasing the effective stacking length when transitioning between storage and extension positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the relative position between the rotation axis of the extension member and the stacking portion is constant, then the structure is simple and stable, but the highest position of the trajectory at one end of the extension member is high, reducing the effective stacking length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotation axis movable relative to the stacking portion through an allowance portion. Instead of fixing the rotation axis at a constant position, the system allows dynamic adjustment of the axis position, enabling the extension member to follow a lowered trajectory during rotation. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction by achieving both structural simplicity and increased effective stacking length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the rotation axis by introducing an allowance portion that permits movement between the rotation axis and the stacking portion. This parameter change allows the trajectory of the extension member to be lowered, thereby increasing the effective stacking length without significantly complicating the overall structure.
2Productivity
If the extension member rotates with a fixed rotation axis position, then the mechanism is simple, but the trajectory highest position is high, limiting the stacking capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rotation axis into a dynamic element that can move within the allowance portion. This enables the extension member to execute a rotation path with a lowered highest position, directly increasing stacking capacity while maintaining relatively simple mechanism complexity through the straightforward allowance portion design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an additional degree of freedom by allowing movement in the vertical dimension between the rotation axis and the stacking portion. This dimensional change enables the trajectory to be optimized for increased stacking capacity without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If the extension member trajectory highest position is high, then the rotation range is sufficient, but the effective stacking length is reduced, wasting space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the vertical position parameter of the rotation axis by allowing movement through the allowance portion. This parameter adjustment lowers the trajectory highest position, thereby improving space utilization and effective stacking length while maintaining adequate rotation range and efficiency.
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
Enhances the stacking capacity of the sheet stacking section by allowing the extension member to protrude further, providing a longer effective stacking length and improving space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
an extension member that rotates about an axis along an intersection direction intersecting the one direction such that one end of the extension member moves on a trajectory upward
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking section includes a stacking portion that extends in one direction and on which a sheet member is stacked, an extension member that rotates about an axis along an intersection direction intersecting the one direction such that one end of the extension member moves on a trajectory upward and that moves between a storage position where the extension member is stored in the stacking portion and an extension position where the extension member protrudes from the stacking portion to extend the stacking portion, and an allowance portion that allows movement of a relative position between the axis and the stacking portion or movement of a relative position between the axis and the extension member such that, in a case where the extension member moves between the storage position and the extension position, a length of the extension member at a portion below a stacking surface of the stacking portion during the movement is longer than the length at beginning of the movement.