Cartridge Mounting Guide Prevents Laser Exposure Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing collisions between the image exposing member and the cartridge during mounting, which can lead to damage and obstruct image forming, especially when users incorrectly mount cartridges.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus includes a supporting member that moves between inside and outside positions, featuring a mounting portion for orthogonal cartridge mounting, an image exposing member for forming latent images, a guide portion for engaging the cartridge, and a regulating portion to prevent incorrect positioning and collisions by creating a gap between the frame and the light emitting surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image exposing member is provided on the supporting member to reduce retracting space and ease cartridge replacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of collision between the image exposing member and cartridge increases when incorrect mounting occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a guide portion with a groove that receives a regulated portion of the cartridge. This groove structure预先 (in advance) prevents incorrect mounting positions by physically constraining the cartridge to the correct position, thereby preventing collision with the image exposing member before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary between the cartridge and the image exposing member. The groove in the guide portion mediates the mounting process by guiding the cartridge into the correct position, preventing direct collision between the cartridge and the image exposing member.
2Ease of operation
If the user mounts the cartridge by sliding along a guide groove, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of collision during rotation action increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion with groove provides preliminary anti-action by constraining the cartridge's movement path. The groove structure prevents deviation during the sliding and rotation actions, ensuring the cartridge follows the correct trajectory and avoiding collision with the image exposing member.
3Ease of operation
If the supporting member is made detachable to enable easy cartridge exchange, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing incorrect mounting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion with groove provides preliminary anti-action by physically preventing incorrect mounting positions. The groove structure ensures the cartridge can only be mounted in the correct position, maintaining reliability even though the supporting member is detachable.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion serves as an intermediary that mediates between the detachable supporting member and the cartridge. It ensures correct positioning during the mounting process, preventing incorrect mounting despite the detachable nature of the supporting member.
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
This configuration ensures safe and correct cartridge mounting, preventing collisions and ensuring proper image formation by regulating the cartridge's position and posture, thus avoiding damage to the image exposing member.
Implementation Method 1
an image exposing member provided to the mounting portion, configured to form a latent image on the image bearing member by emitting light from a light emitting surface toward the image bearing member
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a guide portion provided to a supporting member, engages a cartridge and guides the cartridge, to move the cartridge toward a mounting portion. A regulated portion provided to a frame, and a regulating portion provided to the supporting member, regulates the position of the regulated portion when the cartridge is at a position not engaged with the guide portion. The supporting member is configured with an upstream side of a light emitting surface being opened with regard to mounting the cartridge to the mounting portion in the mounting direction. A gap is formed between the frame and the light emitting surface when the regulated portion is in contact with the regulating portion and the position of the regulated portion is being regulated.