Asymmetric Guide Rail Mechanism for Unit Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses require manual intervention and tools for unit replacement and jam handling, leading to low efficiency and difficulty for non-professional users, as units need to be fixed with screws and removed, which is cumbersome and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A unit attachment-detachment mechanism featuring guide rails with asymmetrically formed inclined portions that allow the unit to be slidably attached and detached horizontally, enabling easy movement and reducing the risk of breakage or noise during attachment and detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If units are fixed with screws in predetermined positions, then the units are securely held in place, but the units cannot be easily removed or replaced by non-professional users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of unit attachment and detachmentVSAvoidsecure positioning of units

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is divided into multiple sections including inclined portions and flat portions, allowing the engagement projection to move through different stages during attachment and detachment, transitioning from easy insertion to secure positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rail structure transitions from a static screw-fixed system to a dynamic system where the engagement projection moves along inclined and flat portions of the guide rail, adapting its position based on the attachment state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the intermediary transfer unit is moved in the up-down direction away from the drum unit, then the unit can be detached, but the guide rails require complex inclined portions to enable this movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunit detachabilityVSAvoidguide rail structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined portions are formed asymmetrically with different slopes on opposite sides of the guide rail, allowing the engagement projection to move smoothly in one direction while providing mechanical advantage for detachment in the other direction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment and detachment mechanism utilizes horizontal movement along the guide rail instead of vertical movement, changing the dimension of operation to simplify the guide rail structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If units are designed for easy removal by users, then professional assistance is not needed, but the units may be prone to breakage or damage during attachment and detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidunit durability during attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flat portions of the guide rail are positioned to receive the engagement projection after it has traversed the inclined portions, providing a cushioning effect that absorbs impact and prevents breakage during attachment and detachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement projection acts as an intermediary element that transfers the attachment and detachment forces between the unit and the guide rail, protecting the unit structure from direct impact forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10114333B2Unit attachment-detachment mechanism and image forming apparatus therewith

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A unit attachment-detachment mechanism includes a unit and a pair of guide rails. The pair of guide rails slidably supports a pair of side faces of the unit. The side faces respectively have formed thereon engagement projections that engage with the guide rails. The pair of guide rails has formed therein at least a pair of inclined portions. The pair of inclined portions is formed asymmetrically with each other in the unit width direction perpendicular to the attachment-detachment direction.