Laser Shutter Interlock for Cartridge-Safe Optical Path Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing the blocking and unblocking of the optical path for a laser beam during the attachment and detachment of process and toner cartridges, leading to potential leakage of the laser beam outside the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

An interlocking mechanism is introduced that controls the position of a shutter member based on the attachment state of the process and toner cartridges and the opening/closing member, ensuring the shutter blocks the optical path when either cartridge is not attached or the opening/closing member is open, thereby preventing laser beam leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the shutter member is positioned at the non-blocking position during cartridge attachment/detachment, then the optical path remains open for imaging operations, but the laser beam may leak outside the apparatus when the opening/closing member is open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging operation continuityVSAvoidlaser beam leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter member is made dynamically controllable based on the state of the opening/closing member and cartridge attachment status. The control unit adjusts the shutter position (blocking or non-blocking) according to real-time operational conditions, allowing the system to transition between safe and operational states as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit receives feedback signals from sensors detecting the opening/closing member position and cartridge attachment status. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the shutter member position to prevent laser leakage while maintaining imaging capability when safe to do so.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shutter member is positioned at the blocking position to prevent laser beam leakage, then safety is improved, but the optical path is blocked during imaging operations reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam leakage preventionVSAvoidimaging operation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter member transitions from a static blocking position to a dynamically adjustable position based on operational needs. When the opening/closing member is closed and cartridges are properly attached, the shutter moves to the non-blocking position to enable imaging. When the opening/closing member is open or cartridges are missing, it blocks the optical path to prevent laser leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit continuously monitors the state of the opening/closing member and cartridge attachment through sensors. Based on this feedback, it automatically positions the shutter member appropriately - blocking when unsafe, non-blocking when safe - thereby preventing laser leakage while maximizing imaging productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple control conditions are implemented for the shutter member position, then laser beam safety is improved, but the control mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser beam safety controlVSAvoidinterlocking mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors the opening/closing member position, detects cartridge attachment status, controls the shutter member position, and manages the interlocking mechanism. By consolidating these control functions into a single controller, the system achieves comprehensive safety control without proportionally increasing overall mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit integrates multiple control functions into a unified system. Instead of separate mechanisms for monitoring opening/closing status, detecting cartridges, and controlling the shutter, these functions are merged into a single control unit that coordinates all aspects of shutter control based on combined input signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12487558B2Image forming apparatus with interlocking mechanism for a shutter member blocking an optical path of a laser beam

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body having an opening portion, an opening/closing member, a first unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body via the opening portion, a second unit configured to be attachable to and detachable from the apparatus body via the opening portion, an exposure unit provided in the apparatus body, a shutter member provided in the apparatus body and configured to move to a blocking position and a non-blocking position, and an interlocking mechanism provided in the apparatus body and configured to operate in an interlocking manner with the first unit, the second unit, and the opening/closing member. The interlocking mechanism is configured to position the shutter member at the non-blocking position in a state where the first unit and the second unit are attached to the apparatus body and the opening/closing member is positioned at the closed position.