Drive Unit Reinforcement for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face displacement issues during shipping due to deformation of side walls, which can dislodge units and disrupt the alignment of drive and process units, leading to poor image quality and mechanical damage.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing member is attached to the drive unit, allowing it to follow the deformation of the apparatus body, thereby reducing relative positional displacement between drive and process units, and maintaining stable drive transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If units are installed between side walls to reduce package size, then shipping compactness is improved, but side wall deformation under impact causes unit displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus body is segmented into multiple functional regions: side walls for structural support, a bottom wall connecting the side walls, and a drive unit housing that can independently accommodate drive units. This segmentation allows the drive units to be isolated from direct impact on side walls while maintaining compact packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
A reinforcing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the side walls and drive units. This reinforcing member connects the side walls to each other and provides additional structural support that prevents side wall deformation, thereby protecting the drive units from displacement during shipping impacts.
2Reliability
If side walls are reinforced to prevent deformation, then unit displacement is reduced, but apparatus complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive unit housing is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to accommodate minor deformations while maintaining unit positioning. The housing can flex slightly with impacts but returns to its original position, reducing the need for overly rigid and complex reinforcing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing function is merged with the existing side wall structure by strategically positioning reinforcing members at critical connection points where side walls join the bottom wall. This integration provides maximum structural support with minimal additional components, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
3Reliability
If drive units are fixed in place during shipping, then displacement is prevented, but drive units cannot follow body deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism uses adjustable fastening forces that can accommodate both fixed positioning and controlled movement. The fastening strength is optimized to prevent displacement during normal handling while allowing drive units to follow minor body deformations, achieving both stability and adaptability through parameter optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus having an apparatus body (100), comprising: a pair of side walls (103A, 103B) disposed opposite each other, the side walls (103A, 103B) forming part of the apparatus body (100); a driven unit (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1Bk, 2) supported between the pair of side walls (103A, 103B); a drive unit (25) comprising drive transmission gears, disposed on one of the pair of side walls (103B) and drives the driven unit; and a reinforcing member (28) connecting the pair of side walls (103A, 103B). One end (28a) of the reinforcing member is attached to a side wall opposite a side wall to which the drive unit (25) is attached, a second end (28b) of the reinforcing member attached to the drive unit (25). The driven unit is an image forming unit (1Y, 1M, 1C, 1Bk) comprising an image carrier (2).