Elastic Ship Lock Regulating Member for Transport Damage Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses are prone to damage during transportation due to vibration or shock, and existing solutions that prevent removable members from interfering with operation are ineffective when the apparatus is shipped with a mounted cartridge, as users often forget to remove these members, leading to operational issues.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a ship lock mechanism that is elastically deformed to fix the rotary developing device during transport and automatically resets when the door is opened, preventing closure if not removed, allowing users to easily recognize and remove the ship lock before use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the apparatus is shipped with the cartridge mounted therein to reduce packing volume, then the packing volume is reduced, but the user cannot recognize the removable member and may forget to remove it before use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking volumeVSAvoiduser recognition of removable member

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The regulating member is designed to change its color or appearance state between the first state (removed) and second state (mounted). Specifically, when the regulating member is in the second state, it has a different visual appearance than when in the first state, allowing the user to easily recognize whether the removable member is still attached. This visual indication mechanism solves the problem of user recognition while maintaining the space-efficient shipping configuration with the cartridge mounted.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If the regulating member is designed to prevent closure when mounted, then the user can recognize the removable member, but the apparatus cannot be closed during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser recognition of removable memberVSAvoidprevention of apparatus closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The regulating member is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically change between a first state (removed or non-interfering) and a second state (mounted and regulating). The member can elastically deform to accommodate the closed position of the apparatus during transport, then return to its original state when the apparatus is opened. This dynamic behavior allows the regulating member to provide both user recognition and closure regulation functions without preventing normal apparatus operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The regulating member is pre-configured to elastically deform in a direction different from the pressing direction when preventing closure. This preliminary design allows the member to absorb the closing force through elastic deformation rather than rigidly blocking closure, thereby preventing damage while still providing user recognition. The member's elastic properties enable it to temporarily accommodate the closed position without permanent deformation or interference with normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If the regulating member is made rigid to effectively prevent closure, then the closure regulation function is effective, but the member cannot elastically return to the first state when the apparatus is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure regulation functionVSAvoidelastic return capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures the user can easily identify and remove the ship lock, preventing damage and operational issues by ensuring the apparatus is ready for use without interference from the removable member, thus maintaining the integrity and functionality of the device.

Implementation Method 1

the regulating member is mounted to the main body of the apparatus in a second state that is elastically changed from a first state; when the openable and closable member is opened, the regulating member is elastically returned to the first state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9164472B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 CANON KK

AI summary

In an image forming apparatus, when the openable and closable member is closed, the regulating member is mounted to the main body of the apparatus in a second state that is elastically changed from a first state; when the openable and closable member is opened, the regulating member is elastically returned to the first state; in this state, when the openable and closable member is closed, an abutting portion of the openable and closable member abuts on an abutting portion of the regulating member to regulate the openable and closable member from closing. A direction of pressing caused when the abutting portion of the openable and closable member abuts on the abutting portion of the regulating member is different from a direction in which the abutting portion of the regulating member moves when the regulating member changes from the first state to the second state.