Exposure Unit Isolation for Vibration-Stable Image Forming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with unwanted vibration transmission to the exposure device, leading to malfunctions such as banding in the image quality due to resonance, especially when anti-vibration members or non-contact structures are not adequately implemented.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates anti-vibration members interposed between the interval maintaining members and the exposure device, or maintains a spaced structure between these components, along with elastic members to suppress vibration transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the exposure device is directly contacted with the interval maintaining member, then the structural complexity is reduced, but unwanted vibration is transmitted to the exposure device causing resonance and image quality degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural complexityVSAvoidvibration transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An anti-vibration member is introduced as an intermediary component between the interval maintaining member and the exposure device. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibration while maintaining the necessary mechanical connection, thus reducing vibration transmission without requiring a complete non-contact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact structure is modified by changing the material properties or damping characteristics of the anti-vibration member. This parameter change allows the same contact structure to effectively suppress vibration transmission while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an anti-vibration member is interposed between the interval maintaining member and the exposure device, then unwanted vibration transmission is suppressed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-vibration member serves as a functional intermediary that can be integrated into existing structures. By positioning it at the contact interface between the interval maintaining member and the exposure device, it provides vibration suppression with minimal additional structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the interval maintaining member and exposure device are spaced from each other, then unwanted vibration transmission is suppressed, but the positioning precision and interval maintenance capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidinterval positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-vibration member acts as a mediator that maintains precise positioning while suppressing vibration. It provides both mechanical support for accurate interval maintenance and vibration damping properties, eliminating the need for complete spacing that would compromise positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively reduces unwanted vibration transmission to the exposure device, preventing resonance and improving image quality by minimizing vibration-related malfunctions.

Implementation Method 1

an anti-vibration member is interposed between the interval maintaining member and a contact portion of the exposure device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The elastic portion is elastic, is disposed between the exposure unit and the weight, and supports the weight in a vibratable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4679191A1Image forming apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • EP4679191A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4679191A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4679191A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes: a rotatable photoconductor; an exposure device that forms a latent image by radiating light from a light emitting element disposed along an axial direction of the photoconductor; an interval maintaining member that maintains an interval between the photoconductor and the exposure device; and a support member to which at least the photoconductor and the exposure device are attached, in which an anti-vibration member is interposed between the interval maintaining member and a contact portion of the exposure device.