Image Forming Apparatus Access Cover Link Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the opening and closing of access covers, particularly when heavy objects are placed on top, requiring excessive force due to the need to stop the cover at specific angles for different operational tasks.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a link mechanism with a rotary member, first and second link members, a pin, a boss, and an elongated socket, where the sliding resistance between the boss and the socket is greater than between the pin and the slit, allowing the access opening closure to stop at multiple angles, reducing the necessary opening force and accommodating varying operational requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the access opening closure is designed to stop at specific angles for different operational tasks, then the operational versatility is improved, but the force required to open the cover increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism transforms the static hinge connection into a dynamic system with variable mechanical advantage. As the closure moves through different angular positions, the link mechanism adjusts the force transmission characteristics, providing high mechanical advantage (low opening force) at certain angles and enabling stopping at multiple predetermined angles for different operational tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the geometric parameters of the force transmission path dynamically. By varying the angles and positions of the link members relative to each other during opening/closing motion, the system achieves different mechanical advantage ratios at different positions, allowing both multiple stopping positions and reduced opening force
2Ease of operation
If the access opening closure is hinged to the body housing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex when multiple stopping positions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge connection with the link mechanism into an integrated assembly. The hinge provides the basic rotational support while the link members are coupled to the same closure, merging two functions (hinging and multi-position stopping) into a single unified mechanism rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the hinge connection point, provides multiple predetermined stopping positions for different operational tasks, and reduces the opening force through mechanical advantage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
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 design enables the access opening closure to stop at multiple angles, reducing the force required to open the cover and allowing for flexible operation depending on the type of work, thereby improving usability and reducing operational effort.
Implementation Method 1
A sliding resistance between the boss and the elongated socket is larger than a sliding resistance between the pin and the slit of the second link member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a body housing; an access opening closure; a rotary member rotatable relative to the body housing; a first link member coupled to the rotary member; a second link member coupling the access opening closure to the first link member, having a first end pivotally movable relative to the access opening closure and a second end slidable along the first link member, and including a slit connecting the first end and the second end; a cutaway communicating with the slit near the second end and then turning around, and narrower than the slit; a pin mounted on the body housing and located within the slit; a boss projecting from the first end; and an elongated socket mounted on the access opening closure and receiving the boss slidably. A sliding resistance between the boss and the elongated socket is larger than between the pin and the slit.