Drive Source Support with Openings for Heat Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrophotographic image forming apparatuses lack effective heat dissipation and user safety features, as the drive source, such as a motor, generates heat that can interfere with the process cartridge and pose a risk of direct contact.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a drive source support with upper openings to allow heat dissipation and prevent user contact, while maintaining a compact design by positioning the motor support to enclose and protect the drive source within the frame, ensuring the motor's heat is discharged through these openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive source is enclosed in a solid support structure, then user safety is improved by preventing contact, but heat dissipation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive source support incorporates multiple through holes forming a mesh-like structure, allowing heat to dissipate while maintaining structural integrity and user safety. The porous configuration enables thermal management without compromising the protective enclosure function.
2Temperature
If the drive source support is made with multiple openings, then heat dissipation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The drive source support is segmented into multiple sections with through holes distributed throughout, creating a mesh structure that maintains sufficient structural strength while enabling effective heat dissipation. The segmentation allows thermal pathways without compromising overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh-like structure with multiple through holes provides a porous configuration that balances heat dissipation efficiency with structural strength, allowing thermal energy to pass through while maintaining mechanical support capability.
3Productivity
If the printer design is made compact, then productivity is improved, but heat accumulation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh-like drive source support with multiple through holes enables effective heat dissipation in a compact configuration, preventing heat accumulation while maintaining space efficiency for the overall printer design.
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 allows stable operation of the process cartridge by preventing heat interference and ensuring user safety, while maintaining a compact printer design by effectively dissipating heat generated by the drive source.
Implementation Method 1
At least an upper portion of the drive source support has a plurality of first openings which are spaced from each other to allow discharge of heat generated by the drive source
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a frame, a drive source configured to generate a driving force, a gear mechanism configured to receive the driving force of the drive source, and a drive source support formed in the frame. The drive source support encloses and supports the drive source. At least an upper portion of the drive source support has a plurality of first openings which are spaced from each other.