Tray Handle Elastic Member Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional trays for image forming apparatuses generate collision noise when drawn from the apparatus body due to the mechanical interaction between the handle and the tray body, leading to unwanted noise and potential shock that can affect the image formation process.
Innovation Solution
A tray design featuring a handle that slides relative to the tray body with elastic members between the handle and the tray body, allowing the pull force to be transmitted via these elastic members, which reduces the direct contact and collision noise by absorbing the force and smoothing the unlocking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the handle is directly connected to the tray body with bolts, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but collision noise occurs when the tray is drawn from the image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary element between the handle and the tray body. This elastic member acts as a mediator that transmits the pulling force from the handle to the tray body while absorbing shock and preventing direct collision, thereby eliminating the collision noise without complicating the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is pre-installed between the handle and tray body to provide cushioning before any collision can occur. This beforehand cushioning absorbs the impact force during the drawing operation, preventing the collision noise that would otherwise be generated by direct contact between rigid components
2Ease of operation
If the handle is pulled to unlock the tray, then the tray can be drawn from the apparatus, but the direct force transmission causes collision noise and shock
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member serves as a mediator in the force transmission path from the user's pulling action on the handle to the tray body. It smoothly transmits the unlocking force while cushioning the subsequent drawing motion, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating collision noise
3Strength
If rigid connection is used between handle and tray body, then the structure is stable and strong, but shock during drawing can affect image formation
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member acts as a shock-absorbing intermediary that protects the image formation process from harmful vibrations. It maintains the structural connection between handle and tray body while filtering out high-frequency shock impulses that could interfere with precise image formation operations
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 tray design effectively reduces collision noise and shock during the drawing process, ensuring a smoother operation that minimizes the risk of image degradation and allows for a more silent and efficient handling of the tray.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member located between the handle and the tray body. In the tray, at least part of the pull force is transmitted from the handle to the tray body via the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
A tray drawable from an image forming apparatus body in a specified first direction, the tray having: a tray body in which printing media are stored; a handle that is fastened to the tray body so as to be slidable in the first direction by a specified distance, a pull of the handle in the first direction effecting a slide of the handle in the first direction relative to the tray body and applying a pull force in the first direction to the tray body; a lock mechanism for locking the tray body in the image forming apparatus body, the slide of the handle in the first direction relative to the tray body cancelling the lock mechanism; and an elastic member located between the handle and the tray body; wherein at least part of the pull force is transmitted from the handle to the tray body via the elastic member.