Guiding Member Fixing via Protrusion and Through-Hole Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require complex operations to fix guiding members, such as adhesive tapes or screws, which complicates the internal structure and process cartridge in compact and multi-functional devices like those for small offices and home offices, leading to cumbersome fixing processes.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a frame, a transfer roller, and a guiding member where the guiding member is fixed to the frame using a protruding portion that engages with through-holes, eliminating the need for adhesive tapes or screws, allowing for stable and simplified attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tape or screw is used to fix the guiding member to the frame, then the guiding member can be securely attached, but the number of processes for fixing increases and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member is designed with self-aligning through-holes that automatically engage with corresponding protrusions on the frame during assembly, eliminating the need for manual alignment or additional fastening operations. The structure serves itself by incorporating the fixing mechanism directly into the guiding member's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding member is divided into a base portion with through-holes and a guiding portion, allowing the fixing function to be separated from the guiding function. This segmentation enables independent optimization of each function while simplifying the overall assembly process.
2Reliability
If adhesive tape or screw is used to fix the guiding member, then secure attachment is achieved, but the internal structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing function is merged directly into the guiding member structure through the integration of through-holes in the base portion. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components such as adhesive tapes or screws, thereby simplifying the internal structure while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraneous fastening components (adhesive tapes, screws, and their associated installation procedures) are extracted from the system. Only the essential through-holes remain in the guiding member, removing unnecessary complexity from the internal structure.
3Reliability
If adhesive tape or screw is used to fix the guiding member, then the guiding member can be attached, but cleaning the surface and removing release paper is required
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole structure enables self-fixing during assembly without requiring preliminary surface cleaning or removal of release papers. The mechanical engagement through the holes provides immediate attachment functionality, eliminating preparatory steps and improving assembly efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A guiding member is disposed at a frame upstream of a transfer roller in a conveying direction, thereby guiding a recording medium to a transfer position. The guiding member has front and back surfaces. A guiding portion of the guiding member is configured to contact the recording medium for guiding the recording medium to the transfer position. The base portion is positioned upstream of the guiding portion in the conveying direction. The base portion is formed with at least one through-hole having an inner edge. The frame includes a supporting portion and a protruding portion. The supporting portion is configured to contact the back surface of the guiding member, thereby supporting the guiding member. The protruding portion protrudes through the at least one through-hole and engages with the inner edge, thereby fixing the base portion of the guiding member to the frame.