Arcuate Slit Vibration Control in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in minimizing vibration transmission to image forming components, leading to image defects like pitch anomaly due to inadequate positioning and increased complexity in structural arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates an arcuate slit portion in the holding and supporting components, reducing the rigidity of specific load paths to minimize vibration transmission, ensuring precise positioning of the exposing device relative to the photosensitive drum without additional shock-absorbing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock absorbing component is placed between the exposing device and main frame, then vibration transmission is reduced, but positioning precision and structural complexity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the supporting portion by introducing an arcuate slit portion that reduces its rigidity. This allows the supporting portion to absorb vibrations through elastic deformation while maintaining precise positioning of the exposing device relative to the photosensitive drum, without requiring additional shock-absorbing components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shock absorbing component is placed between the exposing device and main frame, then vibration transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting portion serves dual functions: it provides structural support for the holding portion and simultaneously acts as a vibration-absorbing element through its reduced rigidity. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate shock-absorbing components, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining vibration reduction effectiveness
3Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic component is provided at only one of the four points, then vibration transmission through that path is reduced, but vibrations transmitted through multiple paths remain problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the supporting portion into multiple regions by introducing an arcuate slit portion, creating multiple independent elastic deformation zones. This segmentation allows vibrations to be absorbed through multiple paths simultaneously, preventing vibration transmission regardless of which path the vibrations take, thereby improving overall vibration control effectiveness
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 reduces vibration amplitude and maintains precise positioning of the scanner unit and photosensitive drum, preventing image defects such as pitch anomaly while simplifying the structural assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an arcuate slit portion provided in at least one of the holding portion and the supporting portion and extending substantially about the fastening portion
Implementation Method 2
minimize vibration transmission, ensuring precise positioning of the exposing device relative to the photosensitive drum
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image; a holding portion configured to hold the image forming unit; a supporting portion configured to support the holding portion; a fastening portion configured to fasten the holding portion and the supporting portion to each other; and an arcuate slit portion provided in at least one of the holding portion and the supporting portion and extending substantially about the fastening portion in a range at least not less than 180° and less than 360° around the fastening portion.