Tray Unit Sliding and Pivoting Cover for Image Recording Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image recording devices have limitations in the usability and functionality of their tray units, particularly in handling and processing multiple types of recording media, as they lack efficient mechanisms for switching between different tray positions and covering the trays during operation.
Innovation Solution
The tray unit design includes a first tray, a second tray that slides and pivots, and a cover that pivots to cover the second tray, allowing for efficient feeding and discharging of sheets, and enabling the device to handle different sheet sizes and types by adjusting the tray positions and using a discharge tray as a cover to prevent dust and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a second tray is added above the main tray to handle multiple sheet types, then the device can process different recording media (A4, B5, postcards), but the structure becomes more complex and the trays may interfere with each other during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The second tray is divided into a tray body and a tray cover that can move independently. The tray body slides horizontally to select between trays, while the tray cover pivots vertically to cover or expose the tray. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the complexity issue while maintaining multi-tray capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cover is designed to pivot between a horizontal covering position and a vertical exposed position, allowing dynamic adjustment based on operational needs. This dynamic design enables the cover to protect the tray when not in use while allowing easy access during feeding operations, reducing structural complexity through flexible movement rather than fixed rigid structures.
2Ease of operation
If the second tray slides horizontally to allow feeder contact, then sheet feeding is enabled, but the tray lacks protection from dust and damage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray cover pivots between a horizontal position that covers and protects the tray from dust and damage, and a vertical position that exposes the tray for sheet feeding. This dynamic positioning allows the same component to provide both protection during storage and access during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cover acts as an intermediary element between the external environment (dust, damage) and the sheets in the tray. When in the horizontal covering position, it mediates by blocking harmful factors from reaching the sheets, while still allowing the tray to be accessed for feeding when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tray cover remains horizontal to protect the tray, then dust and damage are prevented, but the feeder cannot access the sheets for feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The tray cover pivots vertically to switch between protection mode (horizontal covering position) and feeding mode (vertical exposed position). This dynamic movement allows the system to transition between states of protection and accessibility as needed, resolving the contradiction by making the cover's protective function conditional rather than permanent.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cover alternates between covering and exposing positions during different operational phases. During storage or idle periods, it remains horizontal to provide protection. During feeding operations, it pivots vertical to allow access. This periodic switching between states resolves the contradiction by applying protection only when needed while enabling feeding when required.
Data Source
AI summary
A tray unit includes a first tray, a second tray, and a cover. The first tray includes a first holding surface for holding thereon a first sheet. The second tray includes a second holding surface for holding thereon a second sheet. The second tray is configured to slide above and along the first holding surface between a first second-tray position and a second second-tray position, and is configured to pivot between the second second-tray position and a third second-tray position in which the second tray stands upward with respect to the first holding surface. The cover is configured to cover from above at least a part of the second tray when the second tray is in the second second-tray position, and is configured to pivot between a first cover position in which the cover extends along the first holding surface and a second cover position in which the cover stands upward with respect to the first holding surface.