Exposure Unit Positioning Mechanism for Image Forming Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image forming devices require high accuracy and long manufacturing time due to fitting allowances between components, leading to increased costs and complexity in positioning the LED head with respect to the photoconductive body.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device with a positioning mechanism using first, second, and third contact members to position the exposure unit with respect to the photoconductive body, eliminating the need for fitting allowances by establishing contact points that allow for precise alignment and easy attachment of the LED head.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fitting allowance is provided between the circular hole and fitting portion, and between the oval hole and root portion, then easy attachment/detachment of the LED head is achieved and stress from thermal expansion is prevented, but manufacturing time increases and manufacturing cost increases due to high accuracy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fitting system (circular hole with fitting portion, oval hole with root portion) with a new positioning system using three contact members that establish point contacts with the LED head. This substitution eliminates the need for radial fitting allowances while achieving both easy attachment and high positioning accuracy, thereby reducing manufacturing time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If fitting allowance is provided between the circular hole and fitting portion, and between the oval hole and root portion, then stress from thermal expansion is prevented, but manufacturing time increases and manufacturing cost increases due to high accuracy requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress preventionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8068762B2Image forming device having a positioning mechanism for positioning an exposure unit

Publication Date: 2011.11.29 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming device includes an exposure unit having an exposure surface, an opposed surface facing the exposure surface, a first side surface connecting the exposure surface with the opposed surface, and a second side surface facing the first side surface, a positioning mechanism positioning the exposure unit with respect to a photoconductive body, the positioning mechanism including a first contact member contacting the exposure unit in a first contact point at a side of the first side surface, a second contact member contacting the exposure unit in a second contact point at the side of the first side surface, and a third contact member contacting the exposure unit in a third contact point at a side of the second side surface, the third contact point being located between the first contact point and the second contact point in a predetermined direction from the exposure surface toward the opposed surface.