Attachment Assist Device for Sheet Tray Insertion Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and safely inserting retractable units, such as sheet trays, due to resistive forces, which can lead to increased insertion force requirements and potential damage, failing to meet accessibility standards for users with disabilities.
Innovation Solution
An attachment assist device with an engagement member and catch portion, along with a drawing unit, is used to guide the retractable unit into position, optimizing the engagement position to minimize resistive forces and reduce the required insertion force, incorporating a velocity-dependent damper to control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the sheet tray is made heavy to provide stable sheet containment, then sheet holding stability is improved, but insertion force requirement increases and user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring mechanism that provides a drawing force in the opposite direction of the resistive force during sheet tray insertion. The spring is configured to exert a pulling force on the sheet tray, counteracting the weight and friction resistance, thereby reducing the insertion force required by the user while maintaining stable sheet containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to store elastic energy before insertion begins. This preliminary storage of energy allows the spring to actively assist the insertion process rather than merely passive resistance, reducing the peak force requirement during insertion while maintaining stability throughout the operation.
2Reliability
If the sheet tray is pushed with greater force to overcome resistive forces, then insertion completion is achieved, but impact damage occurs to the sheet tray and sheet feeder
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism continuously exerts a drawing force opposite to the direction of insertion, counteracting the resistive forces throughout the insertion process. This eliminates the need for the user to apply excessive force, thereby preventing impact damage to the sheet tray and sheet feeder while ensuring reliable insertion completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-configured to provide cushioning force before the sheet tray reaches its final insertion position. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden impacts by maintaining a balanced force equilibrium throughout the insertion process, protecting both the sheet tray and sheet feeder from damage.
3Device complexity
If the engagement position is not optimized, then device complexity is reduced, but insertion force requirement increases due to unbalanced resistive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the engagement position specifically at the rear end of the sheet tray where the spring mechanism connects. This localized optimization of the engagement position creates a force balance point that reduces the overall insertion force requirement without complicating the overall engagement mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the engagement position parameter to achieve optimal force balance. By changing the position parameter where the spring engages the sheet tray, the system minimizes the insertion force requirement while maintaining a relatively simple engagement mechanism structure.
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 allows for efficient and safe insertion of retractable units with reduced force requirements, enhancing user accessibility and preventing damage to the units and apparatus, while maintaining proper alignment and reducing the risk of misalignment or impact.
Implementation Method 1
a drawing unit provided in the main body, connected to the retractable unit via the engagement member and the catch portion... When the engagement member engages the catch portion, the drawing unit draws the retractable unit from the drawing start position to the drawing completion position against the multiple resistive force
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a velocity-dependent damper to control movement
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment assist device includes an engagement member provided in one of a main body and a retractable unit, a catch portion provided in the other of the two, to engage the engagement member when the retractable unit is positioned at a drawing start position, and a drawing unit provided in the main body, to draw the retractable unit to a drawing completion position in the main body against multiple resistive forces acting on the retractable unit. On a projection plane on which the retractable unit is projected in an attachment direction, an engagement position where the engagement member engages the catch portion is disposed inside a rectangular area defined by two opposing corners respectively positioned at points of action of two of the multiple resistive forces acting on the retractable unit while the retractable unit moves from the drawing start position to the drawing completion position.