Arm Unit Spring Load Reduction via Displacement Adjusting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as multi-functional peripherals, face challenges in efficiently expanding and folding the scanner unit without excessive spring load, which can lead to deformation of the housing frame and require multiple spring members to manage stress, complicating assembly and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An arm unit with a first and second member connected via a rotation shaft, a spring member, and a displacement adjusting device that reduces the spring displacement by adjusting the pivoting angle, allowing for controlled expansion and folding of the scanner unit while minimizing the spring load, thereby reducing the need for multiple spring members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the spring member is used to bias the first member and second member to expand the arm unit, then the scanner unit can be held in the expanded state, but the spring load becomes excessive causing deformation of the housing frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the spring displacement adjustable rather than fixed. The displacement adjusting device allows the spring member's displacement to be modified based on the pivoting angle, transforming a static spring system into a dynamic one that can adapt its characteristics during operation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the spring to provide adequate holding force in the expanded state while reducing displacement and load in the folded state, preventing housing frame deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the spring displacement parameter according to the arm unit's pivoting angle. The displacement adjusting device changes the displacement parameter dynamically - maintaining larger displacement when expanded for stability, and reducing displacement when folded to minimize spring load and prevent deformation. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction between needing high spring force for holding and avoiding excessive load that causes deformation.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple spring members are used to manage stress and prevent deformation, then the housing frame deformation can be reduced, but the assembly process becomes more complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple static spring members, the patent employs a single spring member with dynamic displacement adjustment capability. The displacement adjusting device enables this single spring to adapt its displacement based on operational state, effectively managing stress throughout the range of motion. This dynamic approach replaces what would otherwise require multiple springs, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining effective stress management.
Solution Approach 2:
The displacement adjusting device integrated with the single spring member provides multi-functionality - it not only adjusts spring displacement but also effectively manages stress distribution throughout the arm unit's motion range. This single mechanism performs the function that would otherwise require multiple spring members, simplifying the overall structure and assembly process while maintaining effective stress control to prevent housing frame deformation.
3Stress or pressure
If the spring displacement is reduced by adjusting the pivoting angle, then the spring load is minimized, but the ability to hold the scanner unit in the expanded state is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through dynamic displacement adjustment - the spring displacement is not fixed but varies according to the arm unit's pivoting angle. When the arm unit is in the expanded state, the displacement adjusting device maintains larger spring displacement to provide sufficient holding force for stability. When folded, the displacement is reduced to minimize spring load. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize both holding capability and spring load management at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spring displacement parameter based on the operational state (pivoting angle). By dynamically adjusting this parameter, the system ensures adequate displacement for holding the scanner unit stable in the expanded position, while reducing displacement during folding to minimize spring load. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction between maintaining holding capability and minimizing spring load across different states.
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
The solution effectively holds the scanner unit in an expanded state while reducing the accumulated power of the spring member, preventing deformation and simplifying the assembly process, and allows for the use of a weaker spring, reducing component count and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member is configured to bias the first member and the second member to a direction of expanding the first member and the second member
Data Source
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AI summary
An arm unit (20) includes a first member (21), a rotation shaft (24), a second member (22), a spring member (23), and a displacement adjusting device (30). The second member is expandably connected to the first member via the rotation shaft. The spring member is configured to bias the first member and the second member to a direction of expanding the first member and the second member. The displacement adjusting device is configured to displace the spring member at an amount of displacement less than an amount of displacement between the first member and the second member around the rotation shaft.