Sheet Support Lock Mechanism Resolving Orthogonal Force Rattling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses experience increased rattling and reduced lock performance when external forces are applied orthogonally, due to the limitations of diagonal line-mounted lock mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sheet supporting apparatus with three pivotable lock members, each supported around a distinct pivot shaft, allowing engagement and disengagement with a second casing, enhancing lock performance and stability by distributing forces effectively across orthogonal and gravity directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two lock members are disposed at diagonal positions of the feed unit, then the feed unit can be connected to the image forming apparatus, but rattling increases and lock performance deteriorates when external force is applied orthogonally
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is segmented into three separate lock members (first, second, and third lock members) positioned at different locations on the feed unit. Each lock member independently engages with the image forming apparatus at distinct positions, distributing the locking function across multiple points rather than relying on just two diagonal points. This segmentation allows the system to resist external forces from multiple directions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The third lock member is positioned not only in the diagonal direction but also offset in the width direction (orthogonal dimension) of the feed unit. This creates a three-dimensional distribution of lock members that forms a triangular configuration, providing stability against external forces applied in any direction, including orthogonal directions that would cause rattling with only two diagonal lock members.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple feed units are mounted on the image forming apparatus, then sheet loading capacity increases, but the solidity of the entire apparatus decreases due to insufficient lock mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
Each feed unit is equipped with three separate lock members that independently engage with the image forming apparatus at different positions. This segmentation of the locking function across multiple engagement points ensures that each feed unit is securely fixed, maintaining overall apparatus solidity even when multiple feed units are mounted to increase sheet loading capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism combines three lock members working together in a coordinated manner to provide comprehensive stabilization. The triangular arrangement of lock members creates a unified locking system that resists external forces from multiple directions, ensuring that multiple stacked feed units remain stable and solid as an integrated assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet supporting apparatus includes a first casing, a sheet support to be drawn out in a first direction with respect to the first casing and to support a sheet, a first lock pivotably supported around a first pivot shaft by the first casing between a first lock position and a first non-lock position, and a second lock pivotably supported around a second pivot shaft by the first casing between a second lock position and a second non-lock position. A third lock is pivotably supported around a third pivot shaft by the first casing between a third lock position and a third non-lock position. The first casing includes a first support, a second support, a third support, and a fourth support each disposed on a top face of the first casing and configured to each support the second casing.