Drive Head Claw Elastic Mounting for Gear Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drive head in image forming apparatuses is prone to falling out during transportation due to its design, particularly the use of spherical universal joints which can become disengaged.
Innovation Solution
A drive head comprising a shaft part with an 'I'-shaped element and a claw with elastic elements, where the claw can stretchably move along the shaft part, ensuring secure mounting to a gear and reducing the likelihood of disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spherical universal joint is used in the drive head, then the drive head can be mounted to the gear, but the drive head is likely to fall out during transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The claw is designed to be movable relative to the shaft part, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During normal operation, the claw engages with the gear to transmit rotation. During transportation, the elastic element allows the claw to retract or adjust, preventing disengagement while maintaining mounting ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element changes the positional parameter of the claw relative to the shaft part. This dynamic parameter change allows the drive head to adapt between operational state (claw engaged) and transportation state (claw retracted or adjusted), resolving the contradiction between easy mounting and reliable retention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the drive head structure is simplified for easy installation, then installation becomes easier, but the precision and stability of the drive head may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drive head employs local quality differentiation: the爪 (claw) portion has simple geometry for easy manufacturing and installation, while the connection interface between the爪 and shaft part incorporates precise features (recess and protrusion) that ensure accurate positioning. The elastic element provides controlled flexibility without compromising the precision of the engagement interface.
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 solution provides a stable and secure drive head assembly that minimizes the risk of falling off, allowing for reliable operation and easy installation/removal without requiring high precision, thus addressing the issue of drive head disengagement in prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic element pushing the claw to move stretchably along the shaft part
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a drive head (40), a drive assembly (20), and a process cartridge (10), wherein the drive head (40) is mounted to a gear (12), the drive head (40) comprises a shaft part (16), a claw (15), and a first elastic element (14), and the shaft part (16) is sleeved by the claw (15) which can move stretchably along the shaft part. The drive head (40), drive assembly (20), and process cartridge (10) have the advantage that the drive head (40) is hard to falling off.