Tray Drawer Indicating Mechanism for MFP Paper Level

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of multi-function printers face inconvenience in quickly determining the remaining paper quantity in the tray drawer, as they need to physically pull it out to check, which is inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A tray drawer with an indicating mechanism that includes a linkage and indicator, allowing the height level of the indicator to change based on the paper quantity, providing visual feedback without requiring the user to pull out the tray.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If the user pulls out the tray drawer to check paper quantity, then the user can see how much paper is left, but the user requires additional movement and it is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper quantity informationVSAvoiduser operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through an indicator that automatically displays paper quantity levels. The indicator is coupled to the tray via a linkage mechanism that translates tray position (reflecting paper quantity) into indicator position, providing continuous visual feedback to users without requiring them to pull out the drawer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an indicator as an intermediary element between the tray and the user. This indicator serves as a mediator that conveys information about paper quantity to the user visually, eliminating the need for direct interaction (pulling out the drawer) to obtain the information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If no indicating mechanism is provided, then the tray drawer structure remains simple, but users cannot quickly determine remaining paper quantity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to check paper quantityVSAvoidtray drawer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual feedback system provides immediate information about paper quantity levels, reducing the time users need to spend checking paper status. The linkage mechanism and indicator work together to provide real-time visual feedback without requiring user intervention or complex electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The indicating mechanism is self-actuating through the linkage system that automatically responds to tray position changes. The mechanism serves itself by using the physical state of the tray (determined by paper quantity) to drive the indicator, without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables users to conveniently and quickly assess the paper quantity within the tray drawer without additional movements, enhancing user experience by providing visual cues for full or empty conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The linkage pivotally connects the indicator and the tray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical linkage: Lever

Data Source

PatentUS10513129B2Tray drawer and multi-function printer using the same

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 AVISION

AI summary

A tray drawer and a multi-function printer using the same are provided. The tray drawer includes a drawer body, a tray and an indicating mechanism. The tray is disposed within the drawer body. The indicating mechanism includes an indicator and a linkage. The linkage pivotally connects the indicator and a lateral surface of a front end of the tray.