Exposure Mechanism Regulating Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming apparatuses have complex regulating mechanisms with many parts, making them difficult to assemble and increasing production costs.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus uses a simplified regulating mechanism with a fixing member, a movable member, and a biasing member to position the exposure mechanism, eliminating the need for joining mechanisms like screws and reducing the number of parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a conventional regulating mechanism with multiple contacting members and support portions is used, then the exposure mechanism can be positioned accurately, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple contacting members (first contacting member, second contacting member, third contacting member) into a single integrated regulating member that can contact the exposure mechanism at multiple points simultaneously. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the positioning function that previously required separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulating member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides positioning guidance through multiple contacting surfaces, maintains biasing force via the integrated biasing spring, and supports the exposure mechanism during both approach and separation movements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a conventional regulating mechanism with multiple parts is used, then positioning function is achieved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple contacting members and support portions into a single regulating member with integrated biasing spring, the patent reduces part count which directly lowers manufacturing costs. Fewer parts mean reduced material costs, simplified production processes, and lower assembly costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (separate support portions, multiple independent contacting members) while retaining the essential positioning function. This extraction of redundant elements reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Manufacturing precision

If a conventional regulating mechanism is used, then the exposure mechanism is positioned, but installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrating of multiple regulating components into a single compact regulating member reduces the overall space required for the regulating mechanism. The merged structure occupies less installation space while providing the same positioning capability through multiple contacting surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulating member is designed with a compact structure where the biasing spring is integrated within or adjacent to the contacting members, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes the footprint of the regulating mechanism while maintaining full positioning functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and decreases the installation space, enabling more cost-effective and compact image forming apparatus production.

Implementation Method 1

an biasing member which is provided between the frame and the movable member; the biasing member biases the movable member from one side in the positioning direction to the other side in the positioning direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8918018B2Image forming apparatus having regulating mechanism for positioning exposure mechanism

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

There is provided an image forming apparatus including a main apparatus body, a photoconductor, an exposure mechanism, a frame, and a regulating mechanism. The regulating mechanism includes a fixing member, a movable member, and a biasing member. The frame includes a first contacting surface. The exposure mechanism includes second and third contacting surfaces, and the fixing member includes a fourth contacting surface, first and second facing surfaces. The movable member includes third and fourth facing surfaces. When the exposure mechanism is disposed at the approach position, the biasing member allows the second and third facing surfaces to make a contact with the second and third contacting surfaces, respectively. When the exposure mechanism is disposed at the separation position, the biasing member allows the first and fourth facing surfaces to make a contact with the first and fourth contacting surfaces, respectively.