Image-Forming Fan Duct Assembly for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method of attaching a fan duct unit to an image forming apparatus is complicated and time-consuming due to the need for screwing the fan to anti-vibration members at multiple positions, which complicates the attachment process.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a frame that supports a process member with a fan placed on a placement surface movable relative to the frame, a duct connected to the frame with a restriction portion, and an elastic member nipped between the duct and the fan, allowing for simplified attachment and reduced vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-vibration members are provided at multiple screwing positions to attach the fan to the frame, then vibration transmission is suppressed, but the attachment process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple screwing positions and anti-vibration members into a single integrated elastic member that contacts the frame at multiple points simultaneously. This single elastic member structure replaces the conventional multiple separate anti-vibration members, simplifying the attachment process while maintaining vibration suppression functionality across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member serves as an intermediary element between the fan and the frame, providing both mechanical support and vibration isolation. By positioning the elastic member to contact the frame at multiple points, it mediates the connection while suppressing vibration transmission, eliminating the need for multiple separate anti-vibration components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple screwing positions with anti-vibration members are used, then vibration suppression is achieved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple screwing operations and anti-vibration member installations into a single assembly step using one elastic member. This integration reduces the number of discrete assembly operations required, thereby decreasing assembly time while maintaining vibration suppression at multiple frame contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is pre-formed with a structure that enables it to contact the frame at multiple points simultaneously during a single attachment operation. This preliminary design of the elastic member allows the vibration suppression functionality to be activated in advance, eliminating the need for sequential installation of multiple anti-vibration members.
3Device complexity
If the fan is fixed rigidly to the frame, then attachment is simple, but vibration is transmitted to the frame causing image defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic member as a flexible element between the fan and the frame. This flexible member provides mechanical support while absorbing and isolating vibrations, preventing vibration transmission to the frame that would cause image defects. The elastic member's flexibility allows it to deform with vibrations rather than transmitting them rigidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibration energy into beneficial elastic deformation of the elastic member. By allowing the elastic member to deform in response to fan vibrations, the harmful vibration energy is absorbed and dissipated through elastic deformation, protecting the frame from vibration-induced image defects while maintaining structural support.
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 simplifies the assembly process and reduces vibration transmission to the frame, preventing image defects by allowing the fan to move relative to the frame, thus enhancing the stability and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member nipped by the duct and the fan... transmission of a vibration caused by the operation of the fan from the fan duct unit to the frame body
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member disposed to be nipped by the duct and the fan... transmission of a vibration caused by the operation of the fan
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a frame configured to support a process member configured to execute part of an image formation process on a recording material, a fan placed on a placement surface of the frame so as to be relatively movable with respect to the frame, a duct fixed to the frame and having a communication port communicating with an air intake port or an air outlet port of the fan, a restriction portion configured to restrict a movable range of the fan, and an elastic member disposed to be nipped by the duct and the fan.