Integrated Drive Train Assembly for Image Forming Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of drive transmitters in drive units is cumbersome and inefficient, leading to poor assemblability with the housing of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit is integrated as a single unit, incorporating a planetary gear mechanism and electromagnetic clutches, allowing for simplified assembly by attaching the housing to the apparatus rear side panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If drive transmitters are assembled separately to the housing, then each component can be manufactured independently, but the assemblability of the drive transmission device to the housing becomes poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple drive transmitters (first drive transmitter, second drive transmitter, third drive transmitter) into a single integrated drive transmission device that is assembled as one unit to the housing. This merging of separate components into an integrated assembly resolves the contradiction by maintaining independent manufacturability of the integrated unit while dramatically improving assemblability to the housing, eliminating the need for multiple separate assembly operations.
2Ease of repair
If multiple drive transmitters are assembled separately, then component replacement is flexible, but assembly time increases and misalignment issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple drive transmitters into an integrated drive transmission device, the patent reduces assembly time significantly as the entire assembly can be installed as one unit. The integrated design includes pre-aligned gear mechanisms (planetary gear mechanism, worm gear mechanism) and electromagnetic clutches that are pre-assembled and pre-positioned, eliminating time-consuming alignment operations during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating components, the patent maintains segmentation at the module level - the drive transmission device is designed as a replaceable module that can be removed and replaced as a single unit. This modular segmentation allows for easy replacement without affecting other system components, resolving the contradiction between assembly time and repair flexibility.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If drive transmitters are assembled separately, then individual component testing is easier, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated drive transmission device combines multiple drive transmitters with precision alignment features into a single assembly. The housing includes positioning structures (positioning protrusions, positioning grooves) that ensure precise alignment when the integrated device is installed. This merging approach maintains the ability to test components individually during manufacturing while guaranteeing high alignment precision during final assembly through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions during the integration process - the drive transmitters are pre-aligned and fixed relative to each other within the integrated device housing before installation. Positioning features such as guide rails, positioning pins, and pre-assembled gear mechanisms ensure that alignment is established in advance, eliminating alignment issues during final installation to the housing.
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
Enhances the assemblability of the drive train components, reducing assembly time and potential misalignment issues, while maintaining accurate rotations and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear mechanism including a carrier, a sun gear, and an internal gear
Implementation Method 2
a first electromagnetic clutch and a second electromagnetic clutch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A drive transmission device (30) includes a drive train including a plurality of drive transmitters (37, 38, 33, 35, 50, 34, 36), and a container (31). The plurality of drive transmitters (37, 38, 33, 35, 50, 34, 36) of the drive train transmit a driving force of a drive source to a rotator (25) rotatable around a shaft (25a) and a swing member (23) rotatable around a shaft (23a) different from the shaft (25a) of the rotator (25). The container (31) contains the drive train.