Buffering Member for Rotary Impact in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electrophotographic image forming apparatuses, the continuous pressing force of the arm spring on the spring locking portion leads to deformation over time, causing a load on the apparatus main body and failing to effectively buffer impacts from the rotation of rotary members.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a buffering member that includes a hollow member, a movable member, and a slide member, where the slide member is configured to deform and increase frictional force when the rotary member rotates, thereby braking its movement and reducing the load on the apparatus main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an arm spring continuously presses the spring locking portion to buffer impact, then impact buffering is achieved, but the continuous pressing force causes deformation over time and loads the apparatus main body
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering member transitions from a static continuous pressing mechanism to a dynamic system where the elastic member only exerts force during impact events. The movable member moves between first and second positions, engaging the locking portion only when impact occurs, thereby eliminating continuous pressing force while maintaining impact buffering capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering mechanism operates periodically rather than continuously. The elastic member is compressed and releases energy only during impact events, with the movable member returning to its initial position between impacts. This periodic action reduces cumulative load on the spring locking portion while maintaining effective impact buffering.
2Reliability
If a buffering member continuously buffers impact, then impact protection is improved, but the load on the apparatus main body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffering member dynamically adjusts its buffering action based on impact conditions. During non-impact periods, the movable member remains in the first position with minimal force exertion. During impact, it transitions to the second position to provide buffering force, then returns to the first position, thereby reducing cumulative load on the apparatus main body while maintaining impact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous buffering function is extracted and replaced by an event-driven buffering mechanism. The elastic member and movable member are designed to engage only when impact occurs, separating the buffering function from continuous operation. This extraction eliminates unnecessary continuous force application while preserving essential impact protection.
3Force
If the slide member deforms to increase frictional force, then braking effect is improved, but the deformation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frictional force is controlled by changing the deformation parameter of the slide member. When the movable member moves to the second position, the slide member deforms to increase its contact surface area with the hollow member, thereby increasing frictional force for braking. This simple parameter change achieves variable friction control without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide member is designed as a flexible elastic component that can deform under compression. This flexibility allows it to change its contact characteristics with the hollow member, increasing frictional force when needed for braking while maintaining a simple single-piece structure without complex assemblies.
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 buffers impacts from the rotary member's rotation while minimizing the load on the apparatus main body by utilizing the frictional force between the slide member and the hollow member, reducing the force exerted on the main body and preventing deformation of the spring locking portion.
Implementation Method 1
The slide member is configured to be deformed such that a first pressure on the hollow member when the rotary member rotates from the first position to the second position is larger than a second pressure on the hollow member when the rotary member rotates from the second position to the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a rotary member which rotates with respect to an apparatus main body between a first position and a second position; and a buffering member connected to the apparatus main body and the rotary member for buffering an impact attributable to the rotation of the rotary member. The buffering member includes: a hollow member; a movable member moveable between an evacuation position and an advance position; and a slide member provided to the movable member and contactable with an inner circumferential surface of the hollow member. The slide member is deformable such that a first pressure on the hollow member when the rotary member rotates from the first position to the second position is larger than a second pressure on the hollow member when the rotary member rotates from the second position to the first position.