Sheet Discharge Stopper Concealment for Scratch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sheet conveying devices experience scratches on the contact portion of the sheet-discharge stopper due to repeated pivoting, making these scratches conspicuous to users when the device is in the non-use state.
Innovation Solution
The sheet-discharge stopper is designed such that the area in contact with the contact member is located below the second surface in the non-use state, utilizing a spring cover and a compression coil spring to urge the stopper from a second use position to a first use position, ensuring the contacted-portion is hidden and not exposed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact member is in contact with the sheet-discharge stopper in the use state, then the stopper can be urged from the second use position to the first use position, but scratches occur on the contacted-portion due to repeated pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
A resin layer is applied to the contacted-portion of the sheet-discharge stopper, serving as an intermediary between the contact member and the stopper body. This resin layer absorbs the wear and scratches from repeated contact, protecting the underlying stopper material while maintaining the urging function.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin layer is applied in advance to the contacted-portion before any contact wear occurs. This pre-applied protective layer cushions against future scratches and wear from the contact member, ensuring the stopper maintains its appearance and function over time.
2Ease of operation
If the second surface of the sheet-discharge stopper faces upward in the non-use state, then the stopper is accessible for use, but the contacted-portion with scratches becomes conspicuous to users
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer applied to the contacted-portion has a color and appearance that matches the surrounding second surface of the stopper. This color matching camouflages the contacted-portion, making scratches and wear invisible to users while the second surface remains facing upward for accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sheet-discharge stopper pivots between first use position and second use position, then the stopper can adapt to different sheet weights, but the repeated pivoting causes wear on the contacted-portion
Solution Approach 1:
The resin layer serves as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs the mechanical wear from repeated pivoting motions. This allows the stopper to maintain its adaptability for different sheet weights while the resin protects the underlying structure from durability issues.
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
This configuration prevents scratches from being visible to users, maintaining the device's aesthetic and functional integrity by keeping the contacted-portion concealed during non-use.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the contact member in a direction in which the sheet-discharge stopper moves from the second use position to the first use position
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet conveying device includes a sheet-discharging roller, a sheet-discharge tray, a sheet-discharge stopper, and a stopper urging portion including a contact member and an urging member. The sheet-discharge stopper has a first surface and a second surface located on a back side of the first surface and is pivotable between a non-use state in which the second surface faces upward and a use state in which the first surface faces upward. The sheet-discharge stopper is pivotable, in the use state, between a first use position and a second use position at which a distal end is lowered from the first use position. The sheet-discharge stopper is in contact with the contact member in the use state, and an area, of the sheet-discharge stopper is located below the second surface in the non-use state.