Cartridge Movable Tray Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in usability and maintenance, particularly during cartridge exchange and jam clearance, as they require complex operations and may cause damage to components like the drum and belt.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a movable tray system with a grip member that allows for easy cartridge exchange by moving between pulled-out and inside positions, utilizing an urging member for positioning and releasing the cartridge, and a door mechanism for improved accessibility and safety during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cartridge is directly pulled out from the apparatus main assembly, then the cartridge exchange is simple, but the positioning accuracy and component protection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A movable member (tray) is introduced as an intermediary between the cartridge and the apparatus main assembly. The tray supports the cartridge during exchange operations, providing a stable platform that maintains positioning accuracy while enabling simple user interaction. The tray moves between a retracted position (inside the apparatus) and an extended position (outside the apparatus), facilitating easy cartridge removal without compromising positioning precision.
2Ease of operation
If the movable member is always extended outside the main assembly, then the cartridge access is easy, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member (tray) is designed to be dynamic, transitioning between a retracted position within the apparatus main assembly and an extended position outside it. During normal operation, the tray remains retracted to minimize the apparatus footprint. During cartridge exchange or maintenance operations, the tray extends outward to provide easy access to the cartridge, thus achieving both compact size and operational accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If the grip member is always at the outward position, then the cartridge removal is facilitated, but the component stability during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grip member is designed to dynamically change position between an inward position (during normal operation) and an outward position (during cartridge removal). When the tray is retracted, the grip member is positioned inward to maintain stable engagement with the cartridge. When the tray is extended for maintenance, the grip member moves outward to facilitate easy grasping and removal of the cartridge, thus ensuring both operational stability and ease of maintenance.
4Reliability
If complex operations are required for maintenance, then the component protection is thorough, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable member (tray) is designed to preliminarily position the cartridge in an accessible location outside the apparatus main assembly before maintenance operations begin. By pre-positioning the cartridge on the extended tray with the grip member in the outward position, the system eliminates the need for complex disassembly or manipulation during maintenance. This preliminary positioning action reduces maintenance time while maintaining thorough component protection through controlled access.
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 design enhances usability by simplifying cartridge replacement and maintenance, preventing damage to components and ensuring accurate positioning without increasing the apparatus's size or cost, while maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member for urging the cartridge so that the cartridge is positioned to the positioning portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a cartridge, a main assembly including a positioner positioning the cartridge and an urger urging the cartridge to the positioner, a mover supporting the cartridge and movable between a pulled out position outside of the main assembly and an inside position inside the main assembly, and a gripper mounted to the mover and movable between a reference position and an outward position located outwardly with respect to the pull out direction of the mover. When the mover is at the inside position, the cartridge is positioned to the positioner by the urger to be placed in a positioning state when the gripper is at the reference position and the positioning state of the cartridge is released by moving the gripper from the reference position to the outward position.