Imaging Module Fastening for Vibration-Induced Misregistration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with vibration-induced misregistration of image carrier units and image writer units due to separate vibration transmission paths, leading to potential image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus concentrates the vibration transmission path from the apparatus housing to the module housing, using a fastening unit with multiple support points and a fastening arm to register and secure the module housing, ensuring that both the image carrier unit and image writer unit vibrate together, thus preventing misregistration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate vibration transmission paths are used for image carrier unit and image writer unit, then each component can be independently supported, but misregistration occurs due to differential vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support structure by introducing a common support plate that simultaneously supports both the image carrier unit and the image writer unit. This unified support structure ensures that both components experience identical vibrations, eliminating differential vibrations that cause misregistration, while maintaining independent functional support for each component.
2Ease of operation
If module housing is removably installed for easy maintenance, then accessibility is improved, but vibration-induced misregistration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary registration actions through registration pins and registration holes that automatically align the module housing with the main body housing before fastening. This preliminary alignment ensures precise positioning and consistent vibration characteristics are established before the module is securely fastened, preventing misregistration even though the module remains removable for maintenance.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple fastening points are used to secure module housing, then registration accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening mechanism into distinct functional elements: registration pins for precise positioning, registration holes for alignment, and separate fastening screws for securing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving high registration accuracy through multiple support points while maintaining relatively simple individual components that are easy to implement and maintain.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus housing, and an imaging module that is removably installed in the apparatus housing. The imaging module includes an image carrier unit that is capable of carrying an image, an image writer unit that writes an image on the image carrier unit, and a module housing that registers and removably holds the image carrier unit and the image writer unit. A fastening unit that registers the module housing with respect to the apparatus housing and that removably fastens the module housing is disposed between the apparatus housing and the module housing.