LED Exposure Unit Retraction in Compact Image Forming Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices using the electrophotographic method face challenges in downsizing due to the requirement for large spaces to accommodate the movement of LED units relative to photosensitive drums, which complicates the compact design of the main casing and the placement of the printer.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a main casing with a first retaining member for photosensitive drums, an endless belt, and exposure units that move between adjacent and retracted positions, allowing the LED units to be retracted into a space formed by removing a supply tray, thereby avoiding interference with the retaining member and enabling compact positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If LED units are disposed adjacent to photosensitive drums for exposure, then exposure function is achieved, but device size increases due to space required for LED unit movement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of LED units from vertical (upward/downward) to horizontal (frontward/rearward along the photosensitive drum surface). This dimensional change allows LED units to be retracted into the space between the photosensitive drum and the endless belt, eliminating the need for separate vertical retraction space and reducing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED units are nested within the space formed by the photosensitive drum and the endless belt during retraction. Instead of requiring external space for retraction, the LED units are positioned within the existing structural gaps of the image forming device, effectively utilizing unused space and reducing device footprint.
2Ease of operation
If top cover is opened for LED unit retraction, then LED units can be moved to retracted position, but large space above main casing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retraction direction from vertical (requiring space above the main casing) to horizontal (along the front wall). This allows the front cover to serve as the access point for retraction, utilizing the horizontal space in front of the device rather than vertical space above it, thereby reducing the footprint area.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If LED units are moved upward away from photosensitive drums, then interference with photosensitive drums is avoided, but space into which LED units are retracted is required at upper portion of main casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the retraction direction from vertical (upward) to horizontal (frontward along the drum surface). This allows LED units to be moved away from the photosensitive drums in the horizontal direction, avoiding interference while utilizing the space between the drum and belt structure rather than requiring additional vertical space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If mechanism for moving LED units is provided, then LED units can be positioned adjacent to and away from photosensitive drums, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction to horizontal, which allows the use of simpler translation mechanisms along the front wall rather than complex vertical positioning mechanisms. The horizontal movement can be achieved through simpler guide structures and actuators that move along the front cover, reducing mechanical complexity.
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
This configuration allows for a more compact image forming device with reduced space requirements, preventing interference between moving parts and facilitating easier replacement and mounting of components, thus enhancing the printer's overall compactness and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of LED units (16) corresponding to the four photosensitive drums (20), respectively, for exposing the photosensitive drums (20)
Implementation Method 2
exposing the photosensitive drums (20) in response to rotation of the photosensitive drums (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A first retaining member is configured to be moved in a prescribed direction between a mounted position and a pulled-out position. A plurality of exposure units is configured to move between a first adjacent position in which each of the plurality of exposure units is located adjacent to the corresponding photosensitive drum to expose thereof and a first retracted position in which each of the plurality of exposure unit is moved away from the corresponding photosensitive drum in a direction intersecting with the prescribed direction. A space is formed by removing a tray from a main casing. Each of the plurality of exposure units is moved to the space to be moved to the first retracted position such that each of the plurality of exposure units fails to interfere with the first retaining member in the prescribed direction when the first retaining member moves from the mounted position to the pulled-out position.