Sheet Tray Link Mechanism for Expanded Sheet Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet tray assemblies in image recording devices have limited space utilization due to the pivot axis location, restricting the number of sheets that can be accommodated and requiring increased device size to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A sheet tray assembly with a sectioned upper opening and a link mechanism that pivots to expand the space available for sheet introduction, allowing the cover unit to move upward and create additional space without increasing the device's vertical dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pivot axis is located in the upper opening of the tray unit, then the cover unit can be opened to accommodate sheets, but the proximal end portion of the cover unit enters into the tray unit and reduces the available space for sheet accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The link is designed to be pivotable between a first position (when the cover unit is closed) and a second position (when the cover unit is opened). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the link to move from a state that minimizes space intrusion to a state that maximizes access space, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and quantity of sheets that can be accommodated.
Solution Approach 2:
The link's pivot movement introduces a vertical dimension change in the spatial arrangement. By pivoting the link between positions, the system utilizes vertical space to resolve the horizontal space conflict, allowing the proximal end portion of the cover unit to be positioned higher when opened, thereby reducing its intrusion into the tray unit's horizontal space.
2Quantity of substance
If the position of the pivot axis is heightened to increase the available space for sheet introduction, then more sheets can be accommodated, but the image recording apparatus as a whole is increased in size
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the pivot axis at a higher position, the system uses a dynamic link mechanism that can pivot between positions. This allows the effective pivot position to be adjusted during operation without permanently altering the apparatus dimensions, thus accommodating more sheets while maintaining compact overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The link acts as an intermediary element between the cover unit and the tray unit. It mediates the spatial conflict by providing a movable connection that can adapt its position, allowing the cover unit to open sufficiently to accommodate sheets without requiring a permanent increase in the apparatus's vertical dimension.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the proximal end portion of the cover unit enters into the tray unit when the cover unit is opened, then the cover unit can be properly positioned, but a dead space is created within the tray unit that is not available for sheet accommodation
Solution Approach 1:
The link's pivotability allows the system to dynamically adjust the position of the cover unit's proximal end portion. When the cover unit is opened, the link pivots to a second position that raises the proximal end portion, preventing it from entering into the tray unit and creating dead space, while still maintaining proper positioning for sheet accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the positioning problem from a horizontal plane to a vertical dimension. By using the link's pivot movement to change the vertical position of the proximal end portion of the cover unit, the system prevents horizontal intrusion into the tray unit while maintaining proper cover positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet tray assembly including: (a) a tray unit configured to accommodate sheets, and having an upper opening for allowing the sheets to be introduced into the tray unit via the upper opening; (b) a cover unit configured to cover the upper opening; and (c) a link interconnecting the tray unit and the cover unit, and having (c-1) a first end portion at which the link is connected to the tray unit and (c-2) a second end portion at which the link is connected to a proximal end portion of the cover unit. The link is movable between first and second pivot positions as a result of pivot movement of the link relative to the tray unit, whereby a posture of the link is changeable by the pivot movement, such that the second end portion of the link is placed in a first height level when the link is positioned in the first pivot position, and is placed in a second height level that is higher than the first height level when the link is positioned in the second pivot position.