Sheet Stacking Regulating Unit Bidirectional Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet cassette designs for image forming apparatuses face issues with sheet misalignment and increased costs due to complex mechanisms and large component counts, leading to poor assembling properties and print precision.
Innovation Solution
A sheet stacking apparatus with a movable regulating unit that includes an engaging member with a rotating portion and elastic deformation mechanism, allowing for precise sheet positioning without increasing the number of components or cassette size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If first and second tooth rows are arranged stepwise to regulate regulating member movement in both directions, then the regulating member can be held in normal position under impact, but the height of holding portion increases and sheet cassette size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the engagement direction from vertical (stacked tooth rows) to horizontal (side-by-side tooth rows). The first and second engaging portions are arranged in the sheet width direction rather than stacked vertically, allowing bidirectional regulation without increasing holding portion height.
2Reliability
If first and second engaged portions are provided in parallel with the bottom of cassette body along with engaging members and elastic members, then the regulating member can be reliably held in regulating position, but the number of components increases and assembling properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second engaging portions into a single regulating member structure, eliminating the need for separate engaging members and elastic members. The tooth rows are directly formed on the regulating member, reducing component count while maintaining bidirectional holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulating member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both first and second engaging portions for bidirectional holding, eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms, and integrates the elastic engagement function directly into its structure through the tooth row design.
3Device complexity
If one engaging portion is used to fix the regulating member, then the structure is simple, but the regulating member can be held in regulating position only in one direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric tooth row designs where the first and second engaging portions have different orientations and engagement characteristics. This allows the single regulating member to provide directional holding in both directions along the sheet length while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If many components such as holding member and elastic member are used to fix the regulating member, then the regulating member can be brought to fixed state, but assembling properties are poor and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the holding member and elastic member functions into the integrated tooth row structure of the regulating member. The elastic engagement is achieved through the inherent flexibility of the tooth row design, eliminating separate components and improving assembleability.
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
The solution enhances assembling properties, reduces costs, and improves print precision by enabling precise sheet alignment and reducing the height of the holding portion while maintaining operability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic portion provided in the operation member to be elastically deformed by the rotating portion being rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stacking apparatus has a rotating portion provided in an operation member to rotate around a first rotation fulcrum, an elastic portion provided in the operation member to be elastically deformed by the rotating portion being rotated, and a disengaging portion that rotates an engaging portion between an engagement position and a disengagement position by the elastic portion being elastically deformed.