Gravity-Actuated Spacing Member for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the spacing between rotating bodies, such as the image carrying body and the transfer device, which can lead to prolonged contact and potential damage, requiring an effective mechanism to disable spacing to enable proper operation.
Innovation Solution
A spacing device with members having a supporting portion and an opening with a catching and idling portion, allowing the hook part to rotate idle, enabling the spacing member to rotate and orient downward under gravitational force, thereby disabling the spacing mechanism and allowing the rotating bodies to come into contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spacing member maintains the spacing between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, then the rotating bodies are prevented from contact, but the image forming apparatus cannot operate properly requiring the spacing to be disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing member is designed to dynamically change its function between spacing and non-spacing states. By rotating the spacing member around the shaft, it transitions from a spacing-maintaining position to a non-spacing position, allowing the rotating bodies to contact each other for proper operation while maintaining reliability when spacing is needed
2Reliability
If the spacing mechanism remains active, then the rotating bodies are kept apart, but prolonged spacing prevents proper functioning and causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between spacing and non-spacing modes by rotating the spacing member. This prevents the harmful effect of prolonged spacing by allowing the rotating bodies to contact each other when needed for proper functioning, thereby eliminating damage caused by continuous spacing
3Ease of operation
If the spacing member is designed with catching and idling portions, then the hook part can rotate idle and orient downward under gravity, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing member incorporates a self-service mechanism where the hook part automatically rotates idle and orients downward under gravitational force through the catching and idling portions design. This automatic self-adjustment capability simplifies operation while the structural complexity is managed through the integrated design of these portions within the spacing member
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 disables the spacing mechanism, allowing the image forming apparatus to operate by enabling contact between the image carrying body and the transfer device, ensuring proper functioning and preventing damage from prolonged spacing.
Implementation Method 1
the one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body is rotated and causes the spacing member to rotate until the supporting portion of the spacing member is oriented downward in a direction of gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
A spacing device includes a spacing member that spaces first and second rotating bodies having first and second shaft portions, respectively, apart from each other. The spacing member is provided on the second shaft portion and includes a supporting portion that supports the first rotating body; and an opening through which the second shaft portion extends and including an idling portion that allows a hook part of the second shaft portion to rotate idle, and a catching portion that catches the hook part. The first and second rotating bodies are spaced apart when the hook part is in the catching portion and the first rotating body is supported by the supporting portion. The first and second rotating bodies are allowed to rotate when the spacing member rotates until the supporting portion is oriented downward in a direction of gravitational force and the hook part moves to the idling portion.