Integrated Imaging Unit Frame for Printer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image forming devices require multiple mechanical and electrical interfaces for each imaging station, leading to increased size and complexity, making it difficult to accurately align and replace imaging units independently within the device.
Innovation Solution
The imaging unit is designed with a frame that includes separate mounting locations and locating features for precise alignment, along with integrated electrical contacts for communication, allowing multiple stations to be mounted as a single element for efficient insertion and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple imaging stations are designed as independent cartridges with separate mechanical interfaces, then each station can be replaced independently, but the device size increases and alignment accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging stations into a single integrated imaging unit with a common frame structure. The frame includes multiple mounting locations for different imaging stations (e.g., cyan, magenta, yellow, black stations) while maintaining a unified mechanical interface with the device body. This merging approach reduces the overall device size compared to having separate cartridges for each station, while still allowing the entire imaging unit to be replaced as one module.
Solution Approach 2:
The common frame structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for multiple imaging stations, establishes electrical connections through shared electrical contacts, and ensures accurate alignment through a single set of locating features. This universal frame design eliminates the need for separate mechanical interfaces for each imaging station, reducing device complexity and size.
2Ease of operation
If multiple imaging stations are designed as independent cartridges with separate mechanical interfaces, then each station can be replaced independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple imaging stations into a single imaging unit that interfaces with the device body through one common mechanical connection. The frame includes mounting locations for multiple imaging stations (such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black stations) but establishes electrical and mechanical connections through a unified interface, reducing the number of separate mechanical interfaces required.
Solution Approach 2:
While the imaging stations are integrated into a common frame, each imaging station remains a separable component that can be independently accessed and replaced within the imaging unit. The frame includes individual mounting locations and retaining mechanisms that allow users to remove and replace specific imaging stations (e.g., replacing only the black station) without replacing the entire imaging unit or other stations.
3Ease of operation
If extra space is provided within the device for independent station insertion and removal, then ease of replacement is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging stations into a single imaging unit that occupies a unified space within the device. The common frame structure allows the imaging stations to be closely integrated, reducing the overall volume required compared to having separate cartridges for each station. The unified interface enables efficient use of interior space while maintaining ease of replacement.
4Measurement precision
If locating features are integrated into the frame, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the frame complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes locating features that are integrated into its structure, serving multiple purposes: providing mechanical support, establishing precise alignment through locating protrusions or features, and facilitating electrical connections. This multi-functional design achieves accurate alignment without requiring separate alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to an imaging unit for an image forming device. In one embodiment, the imaging unit includes a frame that includes brace members that are connected together to form a central opening. The imaging unit may also include separate mounting locations positioned on the frame in a side-by-side orientation. Each of the mounting locations may be adapted to receive a imaging unit and position a PC member of the imaging unit. The frame may also include locating features to align the frame within the image forming device. Electrical contacts may be operatively connected to the frame. The electrical contacts may operatively connect with the image forming device to provide electrical communication to each of the plurality of imaging units.