Compression Spring Dual-Function Transfer Unit Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently positioning the secondary transfer unit and ensuring reliable power supply to the secondary transfer roller, which affects the accuracy and quality of the image transfer process.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a first compression spring that functions as both an urging member to position the secondary transfer unit and as part of the power supply path for the secondary transfer bias, simplifying the structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate urging member and power supply path are used, then the positioning function and power supply function are independent and reliable, but the device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the urging member and power supply path into a single integrated component. The urging member (compression spring) serves dual functions: positioning the transfer unit and providing the power supply path for the transfer bias. This merging eliminates the need for separate components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining positioning reliability through the mechanical contact path.
Solution Approach 2:
The urging member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a positioning element to ensure the transfer unit contacts the positioning portion, and as a conductive path to transmit the transfer bias from the power supply to the transfer member. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the device structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a separate urging member and power supply path are used, then each component can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the urging member and power supply path into one component, the patent reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. The single component is designed to fulfill both mechanical positioning and electrical conduction functions, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly steps while maintaining the ability to optimize the integrated design.
3Device complexity
If the urging member is made conductive to serve as power supply path, then component count is reduced, but the urging member must serve dual functions which may compromise positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
The urging member is designed with differentiated local properties: the portion contacting the transfer unit and positioning portion is optimized for mechanical positioning (appropriate elasticity and contact geometry), while the portion serving as power supply path is designed for electrical conduction (conductive material). This local quality differentiation allows the single component to fulfill both functions without compromising positioning precision.
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 enables precise positioning of the secondary transfer unit and ensures a reliable power supply to the secondary transfer roller, enhancing the accuracy and quality of the image transfer process while reducing the apparatus's complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first compression spring (93) that functions as both an urging member to position the secondary transfer unit and as part of the power supply path
Implementation Method 2
The urging member urges the transfer unit in a direction in which the transfer unit contacts a positioning portion of the body and is a part or all of a power supply path of the transfer bias from the power supply to the transfer member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a body, a transfer member, a transfer unit, a power supply, and an urging member. The transfer member transfers an image onto a transfer medium. The transfer unit is supported to rotate around a support shaft with respect to the body and holds the transfer member. The power supply outputs a transfer bias to be applied to the transfer member. The urging member urges the transfer unit in a direction in which the transfer unit contacts a positioning portion of the body and is a part or all of a power supply path of the transfer bias from the power supply to the transfer member.