Stackable Sheet Device Tray Joint Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sheet stackable devices face limitations in downsizing due to a larger clearance between trays, which restricts their compact design.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a first tray and a second tray that are configured to form a stackable plane, with a joint allowing relative swing movement and a first projection from the second guide, where the height of the joint from the second tray's placement plane is smaller than the first projection, reducing the clearance between tray edges and enabling a more compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the joint height is increased to accommodate guide movement, then the guide mechanism functionality is improved, but the clearance between tray edges increases and device downsizing is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a projection component that extends in the vertical dimension (orthogonal to the placement plane). This projection allows the joint to provide sufficient guide movement functionality without increasing the horizontal clearance between tray edges, effectively resolving the contradiction by utilizing a different spatial dimension.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure is designed to be nested within the overall device footprint. The projection component is integrated into the joint assembly, allowing it to provide the necessary guide functionality while maintaining a compact configuration that minimizes the clearance between tray edges, thus achieving downsizing.
2Manufacturing precision
If the joint height is increased to ensure proper guide alignment, then the sheet positioning precision is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the precision-size contradiction by utilizing the vertical dimension through the projection component. This projection provides the necessary alignment reference for sheet positioning without increasing the horizontal footprint of the device, thereby maintaining precision while enabling downsizing.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection component acts as an intermediary element between the joint and the guide mechanism. It provides a reference surface that ensures proper sheet positioning precision while being integrated into the compact joint structure, thus achieving both precision and compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet stackable device including a first tray having a first placement plane, a second tray having a second placement plane and a slider groove, the second tray being swingable about a swing axis between a first position and a second position, a first guide arranged on the first placement plane, a second guide arranged on the second placement plane, a first projection provided in the second guide and formed to project from the first guide or the second guide, and a joint allowing relative swing movement between the first guide and the second guide about the swing axis, is provided. A height of the joint is smaller than a height of the first projection. The first tray and the second tray form an opening in a position between edges of the first tray and the second tray when the second tray is in the first position.