Stacking Apparatus Compact Design via Guiding Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stacking apparatuses for recording media, such as printers, are bulky due to protruding components and large movable ranges, which increases the overall size of the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A stacking apparatus with a guiding part that directs the recording medium downward and an urging unit that controls its movement, allowing the medium to hang on the stacking member, reducing the need for large components and minimizing the apparatus's size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sheet guiding plate protruding from the apparatus and a rotating rod with large moveable range are used, then the sheet can be guided and direction changed, but the structure becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet guiding functionVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sheet guiding function and direction changing function into a single integrated guiding part structure. The guiding part simultaneously guides the sheet downward and changes its direction without requiring separate protruding components, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a rotating rod that moves through a large range to change sheet direction, the patent inverts the approach by using a fixed guiding part with a specific geometry that passively redirects the sheet. The sheet follows the guiding part's contour to change direction without requiring active rotation or large moveable ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a rotating rod with large moveable range is used for direction changing, then the sheet direction can be changed effectively, but the apparatus structure becomes large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirection changing functionVSAvoidcomponent size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the active rotating rod mechanism with a passive guiding part structure. Instead of using a component that moves through a large range to achieve direction change, the guiding part uses its fixed geometry to redirect the sheet flow, thereby eliminating the need for large moveable ranges and reducing component volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding part employs curved surfaces and smooth transitions to redirect the sheet direction. The curved geometry of the guiding part naturally guides the sheet through directional changes without requiring sharp angles or large moveable components, achieving effective direction control with a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables a smaller stacking apparatus by utilizing a simple configuration with a stacking member and urging unit, allowing for a more compact design while maintaining effective media handling and stability.

Implementation Method 1

the urging unit presses, against the guiding part, the recording medium that moves downward along the guiding part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

guiding the recording medium down to a point lower than the top of the stacking member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9902585B2Stacking apparatus, recording apparatus and stacking method

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A stacking apparatus is provided with a stacking member that stacks a sheet as a recording medium that is discharged from a recording apparatus such that the sheet hangs on the stacking member, a guiding part that guides the sheet down to a point lower than a top of the stacking member, and an urging unit that controls movement of the sheet.