Image Forming Apparatus Drum Support Cable Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus arrangement leads to interference between the intermediate transfer belt and the cable extending from the drum supporting member, which hinders the smooth operation of the device.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is redesigned with the intermediate transfer belt positioned below the drum supporting member, and the main body circuit board is placed above the drum supporting member, along with guide members that allow rectilinear movement of the drum supporting member, and a flat cable configuration that avoids interference with the conveyor belt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the intermediate transfer belt is arranged below the drum supporting member, then the cable extending downward from the drum supporting member may interfere with the intermediate transfer belt, but rearranging components to avoid interference increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the interference problem by changing the vertical arrangement dimension. Instead of having the cable extend downward and interfere with the belt below, the main body circuit board is positioned above the drum supporting member, allowing the cable to extend upward. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the interference while maintaining operational smoothness without adding complex routing mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the main body circuit board is positioned below the drum supporting member, then the cable can connect to exposure members, but this arrangement causes interference with the intermediate transfer belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional position of the main body circuit board. Instead of placing it below the drum supporting member as would be intuitive for cable connection, it is positioned above the drum supporting member. This inverted arrangement allows the cable to extend upward away from the intermediate transfer belt path, eliminating interference while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
3Device complexity
If the drum supporting member is fixed in position, then component arrangement is simplified, but it hinders easy movement and maintenance of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the drum supporting member movable rather than fixed. It is designed to slide rectilinearly between a retracted position within the main body and a pull-out position extending through the opening. This dynamic capability allows easy removal and installation of drums and exposure members for maintenance, while guide members ensure stable, controlled movement and proper positioning during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the drum supporting member from fixed to variable. By introducing guide members that permit rectilinear movement, the supporting member's position can be changed between retracted and pull-out states. This parameter change enables easy access to components for maintenance while maintaining structural integrity and proper alignment during imaging operations.
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 arrangement prevents interference between the belt and the cable, allows for compact design, and facilitates easy movement and protection of components, enhancing operational efficiency and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of exposure members each configured to expose a corresponding photoconductor drum to light to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoconductor drum
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a plurality of photoconductor drums; a plurality of exposure members; a drum supporting member having a pair of side walls disposed opposite to each other in an axial direction of the photoconductor drum and configured to support the photoconductor drums and the exposure members between the side walls; a belt disposed below and opposite to the photoconductor drums; a pair of guide members configured to support the drum supporting member while allowing rectilinear movement of the drum supporting member; and a main body circuit board provided in the main body and connected to the exposure members via a cable. The main body circuit board is arranged above the drum supporting member.