Dual Blower Cooling Configuration for Image Formation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image formation apparatuses with multiple heat sources, the interference between opposing blowers reduces cooling efficiency, leading to insufficient cooling when trying to radiate heat generated by multiple sources in a compact configuration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a configuration where two blowers, one more powerful than the other, are positioned opposite each other with their suction portions facing each other, sharing a common air suction port, and are separated by a partitioning wall to minimize interference, optimizing air flow and cooling efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple blowers are disposed opposite to each other to cool multiple heat sources, then cooling coverage is improved, but blower interference reduces cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the first and second blowers with different blowing capacities - the first blower has a larger blowing capacity than the second blower. This asymmetric configuration allows the stronger first blower to dominate the air flow pattern, pushing air toward the second blower's discharge port rather than creating interfering counter-flows. The weaker second blower supplements cooling in its local area without significantly opposing the first blower's main air flow, thereby resolving the interference problem while maintaining coverage of multiple heat sources.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact configuration is adopted, then apparatus size is reduced, but heat radiation space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air flow paths of multiple blowers by positioning the discharge port of the second blower at or near the discharge port of the first blower. This merging allows both blowers to discharge air through a common or overlapping region, effectively utilizing the air flow generated by the larger first blower to carry heat away from multiple heat sources. The combined air flow exits through a unified path, maximizing heat radiation efficiency within the compact apparatus volume without requiring separate discharge paths that would increase size.
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 ensures effective cooling of multiple heat sources within a compact apparatus, enhancing cooling efficiency and preventing reduced cooling due to blower interference, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a first blower blowing air toward the first heat source to cool the first heat source
Implementation Method 2
a second blower blowing air toward the second heat source to cool the second heat source
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus includes: a casing; first and second heat sources disposed in the casing; a first blower blowing air toward the first heat source to cool the first heat source; and a second blower blowing air toward the second heat source to cool the second heat source. The first and second blowers are disposed to have their respective suction portions facing each other so that the air blown out via the first blower and that blown out via the second blower move away from each other. An air suction port which sucks from outside the casing the air that is blown by the first blower and an air suction port which sucks from outside the casing the air that is blown by the second blower are configured by a common air suction port.