Air Generator Duct for Image Forming Apparatus Odor Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing odor and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the interior space, leading to stagnant air and potential image defects due to moisture condensation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a duct with an air generator and suction fans that ventilate the interior space by sucking in air from above the exit tray and exhausting it through a narrow outlet, enhancing airflow to remove odor and cool the sheets effectively, while also preventing moisture from reaching sensitive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If air is not actively ventilated in the interior space, then the structure remains simple, but odor and VOCs accumulate and moisture condenses causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The air generator is positioned to perform multiple functions: it draws air from the exit tray area to remove odor and VOCs, simultaneously directs air along the conveyance path to cool sheets, and prevents moisture condensation. This single component addresses multiple harmful effects without requiring separate ventilation and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct structure acts as an intermediary channel that guides the air flow generated by the air generator. The duct directs air from the exit tray area through the conveyance path to the ejection section, mediating between the air source and multiple target areas to achieve both odor removal and sheet cooling.
2Reliability
If sheets are not cooled after fixing, then energy consumption is reduced, but internal temperature increases cause sheet curling and conveyance instability
Solution Approach 1:
The air generator simultaneously achieves odor removal and sheet cooling through a single airflow path. The air drawn from the exit tray area is directed along the conveyance path where it cools the sheets, combining two necessary functions without requiring separate cooling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system uses the same air flow to serve multiple purposes: the air that rises from the exit tray area to capture odor and VOCs is the same air that flows along the conveyance path to cool the sheets. The system leverages the natural heat rise and airflow pattern to achieve cooling without additional energy input.
3Speed
If a narrow outlet is used in the duct, then airflow velocity increases to improve cooling and odor removal, but the outlet area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The duct transitions from a larger inlet area to a narrower outlet area, changing the geometric parameters along the flow path. This gradual reduction in cross-sectional area increases airflow velocity according to the continuity equation, providing enhanced cooling and odor removal capability at the ejection section.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct is positioned and oriented to direct airflow along the conveyance path in a specific spatial arrangement. By controlling the three-dimensional positioning and angular orientation of the duct, the system maximizes the effectiveness of the narrowed outlet area in targeting the sheet cooling zone.
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 configuration effectively removes odor and VOCs, cools the sheets, and prevents internal temperature increases and curling, ensuring stable sheet conveyance and reducing the risk of image defects.
Implementation Method 1
The air generator is disposed within the duct and generates air directed from the inlet to the first outlet
Implementation Method 2
The inlet is located in a position for sucking in air from a space above the exit tray
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming section, a fixing device, an exit tray, a first conveyance section, a duct, and an air generator. The image forming section forms an image on a sheet. The fixing device fixes the image to the sheet. The exit tray receives placement of the sheet with the image fixed thereto. The first conveyance section conveys the sheet with the image formed thereon along a conveyance path. The duct has an inlet and a first outlet. The air generator is disposed within the duct and generates air directed from the inlet to the first outlet. The inlet is located in a position for sucking in air from a space above the exit tray. The first outlet opens toward the conveyance path.