Sheet Tray with Sliding and Pivoting Trays for Single-Step Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet trays in image forming apparatuses require multiple steps to transition from a non-use state to a use state, making them less efficient in terms of space and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A sheet tray design featuring a first tray, a second tray, and a third tray, where the second tray slides between a stored and extended position, and the third tray pivots between stowed and extended positions, allowing for a single-step transition from a non-use state to a use state by moving the second tray from the stored position to the extended position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distal-side mounting table is folded on the base-side mounting table and the receiving levers are located at the stowed position, then the tray becomes compact in size, but two steps are needed to change to the use state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate operations (unfolding the distal-side mounting table and rotating the receiving levers) into a single integrated motion. When the distal-side mounting table is unfolded, the receiving levers are simultaneously rotated from the stowed position to the receiving position through a mechanical linkage, reducing the number of steps from two to one.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving levers are pre-positioned and mechanically linked to the distal-side mounting table such that their rotation is automatically triggered by the unfolding motion. This preliminary mechanical arrangement ensures that the levers are ready to receive sheets as soon as the table is unfolded, eliminating the need for a separate rotation step.
2Length of moving object
If the distal-side mounting table is unfolded and the receiving levers are positioned to support long sheets, then the tray can support longer sheets, but the tray occupies more space in the non-use state
Solution Approach 1:
The distal-side mounting table is designed to fold onto and nest against the base-side mounting table when not in use, significantly reducing the overall length of the tray. The receiving levers also fold back onto the distal-side mounting table, allowing the entire structure to be compacted to a minimal volume while maintaining full sheet support capability when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray incorporates movable and adjustable components including the unfoldable distal-side mounting table and rotatable receiving levers. These dynamic elements allow the tray to transition between compact and extended states, providing long sheet support when needed while minimizing space occupation during storage or non-use periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet tray includes a first tray, a second tray, and a third tray. The second tray is configured to move between a stored position and an extended position, relative to the first tray. The third tray is pivotable about the pivot shaft between a first stowed position and a first extended position, relative to the second tray. One of the first tray and the third tray includes a columnar portion. The columnar portion protrudes toward the other of the first tray and the third tray in an area where, when the second tray is at the stored position and the third tray is at the first stowed position, the first tray overlaps the third tray in an orthogonal direction. The other includes a cutout shaped along a path where the columnar portion moves when the third tray moves from the first stowed position to the first extended position.