Regulation Unit Inclination in Sheet Storage Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with the regulation unit inclining during operation due to uneven frictional forces when the guided portion rubs against the guide hole, affecting the precise positioning of sheets.
Innovation Solution
A sheet storage device with a regulation unit featuring first and second contact portions that are urged toward the stacking unit and facing member respectively, using interlocking mechanisms and elastic deformation to generate balanced retention forces, preventing inclination and ensuring precise sheet positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single contact portion is used to generate retention force, then the structure is simple, but the regulation unit inclines during operation due to uneven frictional forces
Solution Approach 1:
The single contact portion is divided into two separate contact portions: a first contact portion that contacts the stacking unit and a second contact portion that contacts the facing member. This segmentation allows the retention force to be distributed more evenly, preventing inclination of the regulation unit while maintaining operational stability.
2Ease of operation
If the guided portion rubs against the guide hole during operation, then the regulation unit can be moved, but uneven frictional forces cause inclination and positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The second contact portion acting on the facing member provides a counterbalancing force that opposes the frictional force generated at the first contact portion. This counterweight effect compensates for uneven friction during movement, preventing inclination and ensuring accurate sheet positioning while maintaining ease of operation.
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 balanced retention forces allow for precise regulation of sheet edges without inclination, ensuring accurate sheet stacking and movement within the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable contact shape formed of such a material as synthetic resin is urged to the apparatus main body to generate a frictional force
Implementation Method 2
an elastically deformable contact shape formed of such a material as synthetic resin is urged to the apparatus main body
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a sheet storage device including a regulation unit that includes a first contact portion configured to contact a stacking unit, and a second contact portion configured to contact a facing member. The first contact portion contacts the stacking unit in a state of being urged toward the stacking unit. The second contact portion contacts the facing member in a state of being urged toward the facing member.