Cam Driver Spring Retraction for Transfer Roller Pressure Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam drivers for image forming apparatuses lack maintainability, particularly when motor failures occur, leading to unintended pressure retention between transfer rollers.
Innovation Solution
A cam driver design incorporating a support, a cam, a motor, and a retracting torque applicator, which applies torque to move the object away from a counter object, enhancing maintainability by releasing pressure when the motor is turned off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the stepper motor is unable to drive due to motor failure while the secondary transfer roller and secondary transfer backup roller form the secondary transfer nip region, then the secondary transfer nip region is kept pressed, but this causes damage and reduces maintainability
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element applies a preliminary torque in the direction opposite to the pressing force. This preliminary anti-action ensures that when the motor stops, the spring automatically generates sufficient torque to open the cam driver and separate the rollers, preventing damage before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides self-service by automatically generating the necessary torque to open the cam driver when the motor stops. The system uses the stored elastic energy in the spring to perform the protective action without requiring external intervention or additional power
2Use of energy by moving object
If the motor is turned off to save energy, then power consumption is reduced, but the pressure between transfer rollers is not released causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides periodic action by continuously storing and releasing elastic energy. During motor operation, the spring is compressed and stores energy; when the motor stops, the spring releases this energy to open the cam driver, creating a periodic cycle of pressing and releasing that ensures safety during energy-saving stoppages
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element changes the torque parameter dynamically. When the motor is running, the motor torque overcomes the spring torque to maintain pressing. When the motor stops, the spring torque becomes dominant and opens the cam driver, automatically adjusting the pressure parameter based on motor operation state
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 enhanced cam driver design improves maintainability by automatically releasing pressure between transfer rollers when the motor is turned off, preventing damage and facilitating maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a retracting torque applicator that applies torque to the cam in a direction to move the object away from a counter object
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A cam driver (200) includes a support (201a, 201b), a cam (202a, 202b), a motor (203a, 203b), and a retracting torque applicator (214a, 214b, 215a, 215b). The support (201a, 201b) supports an object (300, R1, 4, 14b). The cam (202a, 202b) moves the support (201a, 201b). The motor (203a, 203b) rotates the cam (202a, 202b) and maintains a position of the cam (202a, 202b). The retracting torque applicator (214a, 214b, 215a, 215b) applies torque to the cam (202a, 202b) in a direction to move the object (300, R1, 4, 14b) away from a counter object (R2) that faces the object (300, R1, 4, 14b).