Cam-Actuated Electromagnetic Clutch for Printer Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, require constant electric power supply to electromagnetic clutches to transmit driving force to conveyer rollers, leading to increased power consumption and larger clutch sizes, especially when handling larger loads.
Innovation Solution
A driving force transmitter with a coupling member and cam mechanism that switches between transmittable and non-transmittable states using an electromagnetic clutch, allowing power to be supplied only when necessary, and utilizing a smaller electromagnetic clutch to moderate electric consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electromagnetic clutch is used to transmit driving force from the main motor to the conveyer roller pair, then the driving force can be switched on and off, but a substantial size electromagnetic clutch is required and constant electric power must be supplied, leading to increased power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic clutch is activated periodically only when state changes are needed (from engaged to disengaged or vice versa) rather than being continuously powered. The controller detects when the coupling member needs to switch states and supplies power to the electromagnetic clutch only at those moments, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining reliable driving force transmission control.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling member utilizes the driving force from the main motor itself to achieve the state switching through the cam mechanism, rather than requiring continuous external power. The cam member converts the rotational motion of the main motor into linear motion that engages or disengages the coupling member, making the system self-sufficient for state transitions.
2Force
If a larger load is applied to drive the conveyer roller pair, then the driving capability is improved, but a larger or more powerful electromagnetic clutch is required, thereby increasing electric power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism acts as an intermediary between the main motor and the coupling member. Instead of using a powerful electromagnetic clutch to directly handle large loads, the cam mechanism translates the motor's rotational motion into the mechanical engagement/disengagement of the coupling member. This allows the electromagnetic clutch to be smaller since it only needs to drive the cam mechanism, not directly overcome the full load.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic clutch operates periodically only during state transitions rather than continuously, even when handling large loads. The controller activates the electromagnetic clutch briefly to switch the coupling member between engaged and disengaged states, then stops power supply, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to handle large driving forces when needed.
3Ease of operation
If an electromagnetic clutch is positioned between the main motor and conveyer roller pair to switch driving force, then driving control is achieved, but the electromagnetic clutch requires constant power supply and substantial size
Solution Approach 1:
The driving force transmission system is segmented into distinct functional components: the main motor, the cam mechanism for state transitions, the coupling member for engagement/disengagement, and the electromagnetic clutch for control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the electromagnetic clutch being smaller since it only controls the cam mechanism rather than directly controlling the full driving force transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves as an intermediary device between the electromagnetic clutch and the coupling member. It converts the rotational motion from the main motor into the linear motion required to engage or disengage the coupling member, thereby simplifying the electromagnetic clutch's function and reducing its size and power requirements while maintaining ease of operation for driving force switching.
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
Reduces power consumption by enabling the electromagnetic clutch to be powered only during state changes, allowing for efficient transmission of driving force without continuous power supply, and enabling the use of a smaller, more efficient clutch.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic clutch arranged between the driving source and the cam member. The electromagnetic clutch is configured to connect the cam member with the driving source when the electromagnetic clutch is electrically powered and to disconnect the cam member from the driving source when the electromagnetic clutch is not electrically powered
Data Source
AI summary
A driving force transmitter, including a coupling member, a cam member, an electromagnetic clutch, a sensor, and a controller, is provided. The coupling member arranged between a driving source and a driven device includes a first shaft, a second shaft, a stationary coupling member, and a movable coupling member which is movable between a separating position and an engaging position. The cam member is rotatable to move the movable coupling member. The electromagnetic clutch connects the cam member with the driving source when electrically powered and disconnects the cam member when not electrically powered. The sensor detects rotational positions of the cam member. The controller switches the electricity to the electromagnetic clutch according to the rotational positions of the cam member.