Flexible Ventilation Duct Layout for Compact Ozone Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, ozone generated during the charging of photoconductors leads to image forming failures due to the adherence of discharge products, and existing ventilation ducts often require a larger form factor to accommodate ozone removal, which can hinder maintainability and miniaturization.
Innovation Solution
A detachable ventilation duct with a flexible flow passage and ventilation opening, where the duct is partially housed in a recessed portion of a removable unit, allowing for miniaturization by utilizing the recess as installation space and enabling efficient ozone and discharge product removal without interfering with the image forming units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid ventilation duct is used to remove ozone and discharge products, then the ventilation function is effective, but the device height increases and maintainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible duct made of elastic material to replace rigid ventilation ducts. This flexible duct can be inserted into the recessed portion of the image forming unit, allowing the ventilation system to maintain effective ozone removal while reducing the overall device height. The flexibility enables the duct to conform to the available space within the recess without requiring additional external height.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible ventilation duct is nested within the recessed portion of the image forming unit, utilizing the existing internal space rather than adding external volume. This nesting approach allows the ventilation system to be integrated into the device structure without increasing the external dimensions, particularly the height of the device.
2Reliability
If a rigid ventilation duct is used for ozone removal, then the ventilation function is effective, but the device complexity and maintainability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible duct's elasticity allows it to be easily inserted into and removed from the recessed portion of the image forming unit. This simplifies maintenance operations compared to rigid duct systems that would require complex disassembly procedures. The flexible nature enables quick access for cleaning and inspection without damaging surrounding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible duct can dynamically adapt to the space within the recessed portion, allowing for easy installation and removal. This dynamic characteristic simplifies maintenance procedures compared to fixed rigid structures, as the duct can be readily repositioned or extracted for cleaning without requiring disassembly of structural components.
3Length of stationary object
If the duct is made flexible to reduce device height, then the device height decreases, but the airflow guidance precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible duct is designed with sufficient structural integrity to maintain its shape during normal operation, ensuring proper airflow guidance. The elastic material provides just enough rigidity to prevent collapse and maintain the intended flow path geometry, while still allowing for easy installation and removal. The duct's flexibility is controlled to balance form-maintenance with installability.
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 solution effectively prevents image defects by removing ozone and discharge products while allowing for a more compact design, enhancing maintainability and reducing the overall height of the marking module, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a flow passage to flow air, the flow passage including a flexible structure, and a ventilation opening at a first end of the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A duct that is attachable to a main body includes a flow passage to flow air, the flow passage including a flexible structure, and a ventilation opening at a first end of the flow passage. The ventilation opening and at least a part of flow passage are passable through a recess of a detachable device which detachable from the main body. A main body including the duct, the detachable device, and an airflow generation device is also provided.