Cylinder Member Sheet Replacement via Circumferential Attachment Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configuration for replacing a sheet member in a cylinder member is complex due to the need to detach and reattach multiple ends in both the circumferential and width directions, making the process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A cylinder member design where only the end portions in the circumferential direction are detachably attached, using first and second attachment members with adjustable through holes and positioning mechanisms to facilitate easy replacement and maintain sheet member alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If one end portion and the other end portion of the sheet member in the circumferential direction and one end portion and the other end portion of the sheet member in the width direction are detachably attached to the cylinder body, then the sheet member is securely fixed to the cylinder body, but the replacement of the sheet member becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of sheet memberVSAvoidreplacement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the attachment requirements into two segments: circumferential direction attachment (using first and second attachment portions) and width direction attachment (using third and fourth attachment portions). By making only the circumferential attachment portions detachable while keeping the width direction portions fixed, the patent reduces replacement complexity from detaching all four ends to detaching only two ends, while maintaining secure fixation during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple attachment portions are used to secure the sheet member, then the sheet member alignment is maintained, but the replacement process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet member alignmentVSAvoidattachment structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment portions into detachable components (first and second attachment portions at circumferential ends) and fixed components (third and fourth attachment portions at width ends). This segmentation allows the alignment function to be distributed: the fixed width direction portions ensure proper positioning, while the detachable circumferential portions enable easy replacement without compromising alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the detachability function from all attachment portions and applies it only to the circumferential direction attachment portions (first and second attachment portions). This extraction allows the width direction attachment portions to remain permanently fixed, simplifying the replacement process while maintaining the alignment function provided by multiple attachment points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11579555B2Cylinder member and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A cylinder member includes: a cylinder body having a cylindrical shape; a sheet member wound on the cylinder body; a first attachment portion provided at one end portion of the sheet member in a circumferential direction, the first attachment portion being detachably attached to the cylinder body; and a second attachment portion provided at the other end portion of the sheet member in the circumferential direction, the second attachment portion being detachably attached to the cylinder body.