Electrostatic Adsorption Coupling for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling configurations for transferring driving force in image forming apparatuses, which rely on interfitting twisted concave and convex portions, suffer from dimensional errors leading to gaps and looseness, compromising the driving transfer performance of rotating components like photosensitive drums.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring a power source with a first coupling member and a cartridge with a second coupling member, where the driving force is transferred through perpendicular surfaces with an adsorption force generated between them, utilizing electrostatic adsorption to ensure stable force transfer without mechanical looseness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If twisted concave and convex portions are used for driving force transfer, then the coupling structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but dimensional errors create gaps and looseness that reduce driving transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interlocking system (twisted concave and convex portions) with an electrostatic adsorption system. The first coupling member generates electrostatic attraction force to adsorb the second coupling member, eliminating the need for mechanical interlocking and the associated dimensional error problems. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture while significantly improving driving transfer reliability by eliminating gaps and looseness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter from mechanical contact (relying on precise geometric fitting) to electrostatic force (relying on voltage-controlled attraction). By applying voltage to the first coupling member, a strong adsorption force is generated that ensures tight coupling without mechanical gaps, thereby improving driving transfer performance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If gaps are created between coupling portions due to dimensional error, then manufacturing tolerance is relaxed, but looseness occurs during rotation reducing driving transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with an electrostatic adsorption system. The electrostatic force generated by the first coupling member creates a strong bonding effect between the two coupling members, eliminating the need for precise mechanical fitting. This allows relaxed manufacturing tolerances while maintaining excellent driving transfer performance, as the electrostatic attraction compensates for any dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies voltage to the first coupling member before the second coupling member is attached, creating an electrostatic adsorption force in advance. This pre-established electrostatic field acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs dimensional errors and prevents looseness during rotation, ensuring consistent driving transfer performance despite manufacturing variations.
3Reliability
If electrostatic adsorption force is used to transfer driving force, then stable force transfer is achieved without looseness, but the device complexity increases due to power source requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The first coupling member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical coupling component and an electrostatic actuator. By integrating the power source and electrostatic field generation capability into the existing coupling structure, the patent achieves stable force transfer without significant increases in device complexity. The same component that provides mechanical support also generates the electrostatic adsorption force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power source function with the coupling structure. The first coupling member is designed to both mechanically support the connection and generate electrostatic adsorption force through integrated power supply. This consolidation reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate systems.
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 enables stable and efficient transfer of driving force, reducing mechanical looseness and enhancing the performance of rotating components like photosensitive drums by leveraging electrostatic adsorption forces, thereby maintaining consistent image formation.
Implementation Method 1
an adsorption force is generated mutually between the first driving force transfer surface and the second driving force transfer surface
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus, having: a power source; a first coupling member configured to be rotated by a driving force transferred from the power source; and a cartridge including a second coupling member configured to rotate in a state of being adsorbed to the first coupling member, and a rotating member connected with the second coupling member, wherein the first coupling member has a first driving force transfer surface which is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the first coupling member, the second coupling member has a second driving force transfer surface which is perpendicular to a rotation axis of the second coupling member, and the driving force is transferred from the first coupling member to the second coupling member in a state where an adsorption force is generated mutually between the first driving force transfer surface and the second driving force transfer surface.