Tilting Paper Container Unit for Compact Media Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container units in image forming apparatuses require a wider horizontal disposition when supplying recording media, leading to increased space requirements and potential jamming issues due to uneven tilting of different size media.
Innovation Solution
A container apparatus with movable container units that adjust their position and tilt to accommodate various sizes of recording media, allowing them to be contained within a reduced width and vertical space, with transport paths and image forming components positioned to minimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a container unit is horizontally disposed when supplying recording medium, then the recording medium can be supplied into the container unit, but the range in the width direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container unit is tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal direction, changing the orientation from horizontal (2D plane) to inclined (3D space). This dimensional change allows the recording medium to be supplied along the inclined surface, reducing the horizontal width occupation while maintaining supply functionality. The tilt angle is specifically designed to optimize both space efficiency and medium guidance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different size recording media are supplied to horizontally disposed container units, then various sizes of media can be accommodated, but the media may not be tilted evenly causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The container unit incorporates a tilt angle specifically optimized for the maximum size recording medium (e.g., A3). When smaller media are loaded, they naturally conform to this predetermined tilt angle, ensuring uniform tilting across all media sizes. This local quality adjustment at the container level prevents jamming by maintaining consistent media orientation during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
By fixing the container unit at a predetermined tilt angle, the system changes the physical parameter of media orientation from horizontal to inclined. This parameter change ensures that all recording media, regardless of size, are tilted uniformly at the same angle, preventing uneven tilting and subsequent jamming during the transport process.
3Area of stationary object
If the apparatus width is reduced by tilting container units, then space requirements decrease, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The container unit is designed as a movable and tiltable component rather than a fixed horizontal structure. This dynamic design allows the container to be adjusted to a predetermined tilt angle, reducing the apparatus width occupation. The movability and tilting capability are integrated into the container structure itself, balancing space efficiency with structural feasibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A container apparatus includes a first container unit that is movable from a first position at which a recording medium having a first size is to be supplied into an apparatus body to a second position at which a user is to supply the recording medium and that includes an upstream end portion and a downstream end portion in a direction in which the recording medium is to be supplied into the apparatus body with the first container unit positioned at the first position. The upstream end portion and the downstream end portion of the first container unit are located at different heights with the first container unit positioned at the second position.