Cam Arrangement for Development Roller Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to reduce the size of an image forming apparatus while ensuring sufficient space for the arrangement of the first cam and second cam, as minimizing the size may compromise the space required for these components.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus is designed with a first cam and second cam arranged at different vertical positions, allowing for efficient movement of the development frames between contact and separation positions, even when the apparatus is downsized, by utilizing a configuration where the first cam is positioned higher than the second cam, enabling synchronized movement and improved spatial arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the image forming apparatus is downsized, then the overall size is reduced, but the space required for arranging the first cam and second cam becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidcam arrangement space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of cams to a vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate both the first cam and second cam within a reduced horizontal footprint. The first cam is positioned above the second cam in the vertical direction, allowing sufficient arrangement space while achieving apparatus downsizing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the first cam and second cam are arranged at the same vertical position, then the structure is simplified, but the development frame movement control becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecam arrangement structureVSAvoiddevelopment frame movement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cam control function into two separate cams (first cam and second cam) positioned at different vertical levels. The first cam controls the development frame's separation movement, while the second cam controls the contact position movement. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each cam's profile and timing, improving movement control reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic cam profiles with varying radial distances from rotation axes to control points. The first cam has a first radial distance for separation control and a second radial distance for contact control, while the second cam has corresponding radial distances. This dynamic variation in cam geometry enables precise control of the development frame's movement timing and position throughout the rotation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11334019B2Image forming apparatus including cam configured to move development roller

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A first cam moves between: a first position at which the first cam causes a development frame to be located at a contact position; and a second position at which the first cam causes the development frame to be located at a separation position. A second cam moves between: a third position at which the second cam, in cooperation with the first cam, causes the development frame to be located at the contact position in a state where the first cam is located at the first position; and a fourth position at which the second cam, in cooperation with the first cam, causes the development frame to be located at the separation position in a state where the first cam is located at the second position. The first cam is located at a higher position than the second cam in a vertical direction.