Sheet Tray Interlocking Mechanism for Handedness Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require users to reattach a lock member each time a different-handed user operates the device, leading to inconvenience and potential loss of the lock member.
Innovation Solution
A sheet tray with interlocked guides and an operation mechanism that allows either guide to be easily positioned for left- or right-handed users, using a plate with engagement portions and operation portions to disengage and reengage the guides, enabling flexible operation without reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a lock member is detachably attached to one side guide for left-handed users, then left-handed users can operate the device, but the lock member must be reattached for each user change causing inconvenience and potential loss
Solution Approach 1:
The operation portion is designed to be universally accessible to both right-handed and left-handed users. Instead of providing separate lock members for different handedness, the single operation portion can be used by any user regardless of dominant hand, eliminating the need for reattachment and improving ease of operation while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If the operation portion is provided on one side guide only, then the structure is simple, but it becomes difficult for left-handed users to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operation portion is designed to enable users to operate the device themselves without requiring additional components or assistance. By making the operation portion accessible to both right-handed and left-handed users, each user can independently operate the device according to their preference, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving universality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plate is detachably attached to move between guides, then flexibility is improved, but the attachment/detachment process adds time and potential for loss
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is preliminarily attached to the tray body in a fixed position, eliminating the need for repeated attachment and detachment operations. This preliminary fixed attachment maintains flexibility in guide positioning while preventing time loss and potential loss associated with detachable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is merged with the tray body through fixed attachment, combining these components into a single integrated structure. This merging eliminates the separate attachment/detachment step while preserving the plate's ability to move between guides, thus maintaining flexibility without adding time consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet tray includes: a tray body; first and second guides slidable on the tray body and contactable with a sheet; an interlocking mechanism; and a plate including first and second plate engaging portions. The first guide includes a first guide engagement portion and a first operation portion. The second guide includes a second guide engagement portion and a second operation portion. When the first operation portion and the second operation portion are located at non-operated positions, the plate is located at a first position where the first and second plate engaging portions are respectively engaged with the first and second guide engagement portions. When the first operation portion and/or the second operation portion is located at an operated position, the plate is located at a second position where the first and second plate engaging portions are respectively spaced apart from the first and second guide engagement portions.