Friction Damping Tilting Operation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with torque limiters at the rotation center face issues where the operation unit tilts back due to reactive forces, making it difficult to maintain a specific angle, leading to user irritation as the unit lifts and cannot be set at that angle.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a rotating member with a frictional force mechanism, using a support portion and an applying member to apply frictional force, ensuring the rotating member remains in its accommodating position by adjusting the contact area based on the center of mass position, preventing lifting and allowing precise angle adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a torque limiter or torsion spring is provided at the rotation center of the tilting operation unit, then the operation unit can be tilted to various angles, but the operation unit is moved back in the direction of reactive force when tilting is stopped, causing it to lift and cannot be set at the desired angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the torque limiter and torsion spring from the rotation center of the tilting operation unit. By extracting these components that cause reactive force, the operation unit no longer experiences the lifting problem when stopped at desired angles, while maintaining its ability to tilt to various angles through direct user manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate damping mechanism with a damper as an intermediary component between the operation unit and the support structure. This damper provides frictional force to suppress oscillation and maintain position stability without creating the reactive force problem that torque limiters and torsion springs cause at the rotation center.
2Ease of operation
If a torque limiter is provided at the rotation center to enable tilting operation, then the operation unit can pivot, but reactive force causes the operation unit to move back and lift from the accommodating position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the torque limiter from the rotation center, eliminating the source of reactive force that causes the operation unit to move back and lift. The tilting operation is maintained through direct user input without the interfering reactive force from a torque limiter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful reactive force generated by torque limiters into a beneficial frictional damping force. By using a damper with controlled friction, the system provides the necessary resistance to control tilting speed and suppress oscillation without generating the harmful reactive force that causes positioning problems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional torque limiting mechanisms are used at the rotation center, then tilting function is provided, but repeated tilting attempts are needed due to lifting, causing user irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the torque limiter that causes the lifting and positioning problems. Without this component, the operation unit can be tilted and stopped at desired angles in a single attempt, eliminating the need for repeated tilting operations and improving user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper acts as an intermediary that provides smooth, controlled resistance during tilting operations. This friction-based damping mechanism allows the operation unit to be tilted and held at any angle without the jerky reactive forces that cause lifting, enabling smooth and reliable single-attempt positioning.
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 the rotating member from being lifted and allows for precise adjustment of the inclination angle, enhancing user experience by maintaining the desired position without requiring repeated tilting efforts.
Implementation Method 1
an applying member provided in the accommodating portion so as to come into surface contact with the rotating member, the applying member applying frictional force to the rotating member
Implementation Method 2
the display portion in which the center of mass is positioned at or below the predetermined position is pivoted by a weight of the display portion and is accommodated in the accommodating portion
Data Source
AI summary
A friction member that abuts against a rotating member being fixed to a display portion and that stops the rotating member being fixed to a display portion by frictional resistance of an abutting surface accommodates the rotating member into a predetermined accommodating position in a reliable manner by changing a frictional force of the friction member.