Multi-portion Sheet Tray with Sliding Stopper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet tray units for image recording devices have limited positional relationships between the feed tray and discharge tray, which restrict their adaptability to different sheet sizes and quantities.
Innovation Solution
A sheet tray unit with a discharge tray comprising multiple portions that can slide and lock in various directions, allowing for adjustable positional relationships between the feed tray and discharge tray to accommodate different sheet sizes and quantities, including A3 and A4 sizes, with a stopper mechanism to limit the sliding of the third discharge tray portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed positional relationship between feed tray and discharge tray is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different sheet sizes and quantities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge tray is divided into three separable portions (first, second, and third discharge tray portions) that can be independently positioned and combined. This segmentation allows the discharge tray to be configured in multiple ways to accommodate different sheet sizes and quantities while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge tray portions are designed with sliding capabilities relative to each other, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the discharge tray's length and position. The stopper mechanism provides controlled movement limits, enabling the system to adapt to various sheet handling requirements while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discharge tray portions with sliding capability are used, then the positional flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third discharge tray portion is nested within or adjacent to the second discharge tray portion, which itself is positioned relative to the first discharge tray portion. This nested arrangement allows multiple discharge tray portions to occupy compact space while maintaining sliding capability, reducing overall structural complexity compared to fully independent positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper mechanism is integrated into the discharge tray structure itself, with the first discharge tray portion containing the stopper that automatically limits the sliding movement of the third discharge tray portion. This self-contained design eliminates the need for external control mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining positional flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet tray unit includes a particular feed tray configured to hold one or more sheets therein, and a discharge tray disposed on the particular feed tray and configured to receive a discharged sheet. The discharge tray includes a first discharge tray portion, a second discharge tray portion, and a third discharge tray portion. The first discharge tray portion is configured to support the second discharge tray portion such that the second discharge tray portion selectively slides in a first direction and in a second direction, which is opposite and substantially parallel to the first direction. The second discharge tray portion is configured to support the third discharge tray portion such that the third discharge tray portion selectively slides in the first direction and in the second direction. The first discharge tray portion includes a stopper configured to limit the third discharge tray portion from sliding in the first direction beyond a predetermined position.