Fixing Device Attachment Structure for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching and detaching the fixing device, requiring excessive force and manual dexterity due to the use of thumbscrews and springs, which complicates the process and increases the risk of misalignment and tooth skipping between gears.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a combination of a firmly securing device and temporarily securing devices, utilizing pin insertion methods and springs to reduce the operational force required for attachment and detachment, with the firmly securing device providing additional stability by pressing the movable shaft against the receiving portion, allowing for one-handed operation and minimizing misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thumbscrews and springs are used to secure the fixing device, then the attachment can be achieved, but excessive operational force is required and manual dexterity is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional thumbscrew and spring mechanical system with a click-type locking mechanism that uses a locking member engaging with a groove structure. This substitution eliminates the need for excessive tightening force while maintaining secure attachment through positive engagement of the locking member in the groove, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to automatically engage with the groove structure when the fixing device is inserted into the image forming apparatus. The one-handed operation mechanism allows the attachment to secure itself through simple insertion motion, where the locking member snaps into place without requiring additional tightening actions, thus enabling self-service attachment.
2Reliability
If thumbscrews and springs are used to secure the fixing device, then the attachment can be achieved, but the process becomes complicated and increases the risk of misalignment and tooth skipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex thumbscrew tightening process with a simple click-type locking mechanism. The locking member engages with the groove structure through a single insertion motion, eliminating multiple adjustment steps and reducing the complexity of the attachment process. This simplification also prevents misalignment issues that can occur with manual screw tightening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the thumbscrew component from the attachment mechanism, replacing it with an integrated locking member that is part of the fixing device structure. This removal of the thumbscrew simplifies the overall attachment process and reduces the number of components involved, thereby reducing complexity and potential points of failure.
3Manufacturing precision
If a firm securing device is added to press the movable shaft against the receiving portion, then misalignment and tooth skipping are minimized, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the firm securing function into the existing locking member structure. The locking member simultaneously provides both the locking function (through engagement with the groove) and the pressing function (pressing the movable shaft against the receiving portion). This merging of functions achieves alignment accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity, as the same component performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both locking and alignment tasks. It locks the fixing device in place through groove engagement while also pressing the movable shaft against the receiving portion to prevent misalignment and tooth skipping. This universality allows a single component to achieve multiple objectives without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 reduces the operational force needed for securing the fixing device, prevents misalignment and tooth skipping, and enables secure attachment and detachment with improved ease of use and accuracy, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the image forming process.
Implementation Method 1
temporarily securing devices (300) each including a support (302), a projection (304) movably supported by the support (302), and a spring (303) that applies pressure so that the projection (304) projects from the support (302)
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment structure for an attachable body includes an attachable body, a connecting unit, a first regulating device, and a second regulating device. The attachable body is attachable to an apparatus body and has a leading end and a trailing end in an attachment direction in which the attachable body is attached to the apparatus body. The connecting unit is provided on a leading end side of the attachable body in the attachment direction. The connecting unit is connected to the apparatus body. The first regulating device regulates a movement of the attachable body in the attachment direction from a trailing end side. The second regulating device is provided at a position closer to the connecting unit than to the first regulating device in a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the attachment direction. The second regulating device regulates the movement of the attachable body.