Air Curtain for Image Reader Dust Infiltration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing the infiltration of outside air and dust through openings, which can lead to image defects and increased maintenance costs due to the lack of effective air barrier solutions.
Innovation Solution
An air supply device is integrated into the image forming apparatus, forming an air curtain that blocks outside air and dust from entering through openings by using a combination of large-diameter and small-diameter fans positioned to create a directed airflow along the rear wall of the image reader, effectively preventing contamination and condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opening portion is provided for wiring connection in the image reader, then ease of operation and assembly are improved, but outside air and dust can infiltrate into the image reader causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a blowing fan to generate a directed airflow that forms an air curtain along the rear wall of the image reader. This pneumatic mechanism creates a protective air barrier that prevents outside air and dust from infiltrating through the opening portion while allowing wiring connections to remain accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The air curtain acts as an intermediary substance between the outside environment and the image reader interior. This air barrier mediates the interaction by blocking harmful particles and air infiltration while permitting the opening portion to maintain its wiring access function.
2Device complexity
If no air barrier is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but dust infiltration causes image defects and increased maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical barriers or filters, the patent employs a simple pneumatic system with a blowing fan to create an air curtain. This pneumatic approach provides effective dust and air blocking with minimal structural complexity, maintaining image quality stability through the protective air barrier.
3Reliability
If air is supplied to block outside air infiltration, then image quality and reliability are improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air supply is provided partially only at the critical opening portion area where dust infiltration occurs, rather than supplying air throughout the entire image reader interior. This targeted approach creates an effective protective air curtain at the opening while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to full-area air supply.
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 solution enhances image quality, reduces maintenance costs, and prevents dust infiltration, while maintaining operability and reducing the risk of dew condensation, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply device that is provided in the image forming apparatus body or in the image reader, and forms an air flow that blocks infiltration of outside air into the image reader on an outer side of the opening portion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus including an image reader that is disposed on an upper side of an image forming apparatus body and is provided with an opening portion through which wiring connected to the image forming apparatus body side passes, and an air supply device that is provided in the image forming apparatus body or in the image reader, and forms an air flow that blocks infiltration of outside air into the image reader on an outer side of the opening portion.