Slidable Shaft Lock Mechanism for Adjustable Sheet Feeder Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack a convenient and adjustable mechanism for attaching and detaching optional devices, such as sheet feeding units, which limits flexibility and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A connection member with a slidable shaft, connectors, and a lock mechanism allows for adjustable attachment and detachment of the sheet feeding device to the image forming apparatus, enabling easy positioning and height adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connection mechanism is used to attach the optional device, then the attachment is stable and reliable, but the flexibility and adjustability of the connection are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism employs a slidable shaft that can move along the side face of the main body, transforming a static fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable one. The shaft can be positioned at different locations and locked in place, providing both adaptability in positioning and reliability when locked, thus resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
2Ease of operation
If a simple connection mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation for attachment and detachment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a shaft for positioning, a lock member for securing, and a connector for attachment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall mechanism easier to operate while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member is designed to automatically engage with the shaft, providing self-locking functionality. When the shaft is moved to the desired position, the lock member automatically secures it without requiring additional manual operations, thereby improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft is freely movable, then the position adjustment is flexible, but the positional stability during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position, and then to a stable locked position. The lock member enables this dynamic-to-stable transition, allowing flexible adjustment during installation while ensuring positional stability during operation, thus resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An optional device of the present disclosure is attachable and detachable with respect to an image forming apparatus via a connection member fitted to a side face of a main body of the optional device. The connection member includes a shaft, a connector, and a lock member. The shaft is supported by the main body to be slidable in an axial direction. The connector is fixed to the shaft and coupled to the image forming apparatus. The lock member is capable or restricting movement of the shaft in the axial direction. A position of the connector is adjusted by releasing the restriction placed on the shaft by the lock member and then sliding the shaft in the axial direction.