Image Forming Apparatus Movement Mechanism for Unit Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses are enlarged due to the constraint that units must be positioned to allow for separate attachment and detachment, limiting miniaturization.

Innovation Solution

An image forming apparatus with a movement mechanism that allows at least one unit to be moved out of the way, enabling the other unit to be attached or detached without hindrance, and an opening mechanism for easy operation, allowing for a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the first unit and the second unit are disposed separately to allow independent attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device size is enlarged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and detachmentVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the second unit movable relative to the first unit through a movement mechanism. The second unit can be moved between a first position (where it may overlap with the first unit) and a second position (where it is clear of the first unit for detachment). This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by allowing compact initial placement while enabling easy detachment when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dimensionality change by introducing a movement dimension for the second unit. Instead of fixed separate placement in two dimensions, the second unit gains a third dimension of motion (movable along the longitudinal direction), allowing it to transition between overlapping and non-overlapping positions with the first unit, thus achieving compact design without sacrificing operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the second unit is positioned to overlap with the first unit for compact layout, then the device size is reduced, but the ease of detachment is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidease of detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism enables the second unit to dynamically transition from an overlapping position (for compact layout) to a non-overlapping position (for easy detachment). The second unit is movable along the longitudinal direction of the first unit, allowing it to be positioned over the first unit during operation and moved clear during maintenance, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of detachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movement mechanism performs preliminary action by automatically moving the second unit to a clear position when the first unit is detached. This preliminary movement preparation eliminates the need for manual manipulation to clear the second unit, maintaining ease of detachment while allowing overlapping compact layout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7729635B2Image forming apparatus including movement mechanism

Publication Date: 2010.06.01 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus body, a first unit detachably attached to the image forming apparatus body, a second unit detachably attached to the image forming apparatus body; and a movement mechanism that moves at least one of the first unit and the second unit to satisfy the condition that each of the first unit and the second unit is disposed not to hinder the other from being attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus body.