Exposure Head Cover Mechanism for Smooth Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image formation apparatuses face difficulties in smoothly separating the exposure head from the image formation unit due to interference between the circular hole of the exposure head and the boss of the image formation unit during the opening motion, resulting in an uneven inclination angle that hinders smooth separation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a holding member with a first support portion for rotational movement and a second support portion for swinging motion, allowing the exposure head to move away from the image formation unit with a reduced inclination angle, preventing interference and enabling smooth separation by adjusting the orientation and movement of the LED head assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the circular hole and boss are positioned on the side closer to the rotation axis for compact design, then the positioning is improved, but the separation smoothness deteriorates due to larger inclination angle causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic separation mechanism where the exposure head moves along a curved trajectory during cover opening. The holding member guides the exposure head to first separate from the boss (circular hole side) and then from the spacer (elongate hole side), creating a controlled dynamic separation process that reduces interference despite the compact positioning configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary separation action by designing the holding member and boss positioning such that the circular hole and boss separate first during cover opening, before the elongate hole and spacer separate. This preliminary action on the boss side reduces the inclination angle interference effect before it propagates to the overall separation process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the LED head is fixed rigidly to the cover for stable positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the separation smoothness deteriorates due to inability to accommodate rotational trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid fixed connection with a dynamic holding member mechanism that allows the exposure head to move along a curved trajectory during cover opening. The holding member maintains positioning precision while accommodating the rotational motion, enabling smooth separation by allowing the exposure head to follow the natural rotational path rather than forcing linear separation.
3Volume of moving object
If the cover rotation radius is reduced for compact apparatus size, then the apparatus volume is improved, but the separation smoothness deteriorates due to increased inclination angle during opening motion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the small rotation radius by implementing a dynamic separation sequence. The holding member guides the exposure head to separate first from the boss (circular hole) and then from the spacer (elongate hole), creating a staged separation process that manages the increased inclination angle effects in compact configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
In compact configurations with small rotation radii, the patent applies preliminary separation action at the boss interface first, before the spacer interface. This preliminary action on the boss side (circular hole) reduces the interference effect early in the opening motion, preventing it from amplifying throughout the entire separation process.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus according to an embodiment may include: an image formation unit; an apparatus main body including therein the image formation unit; a cover rotatable about a first rotation axis to open and close the apparatus main body; an exposure unit including an exposure head; and a holding member fixed to an inner surface of the cover and holds the exposure unit. The holding member includes a first support portion at a side of the holding member closer to the first rotation axis and a second support portion at a side of the holding member farther from the first rotation axis. The first support portion supports the exposure unit to be rotatable, about a second rotation axis parallel to the first rotation axis, and the second support portion supports the exposure unit to be swingable in directions closer to and away from the inner surface of the cover.