LED Visibility in Image Formers via Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face operability issues during paper jam removal, as LEDs provided for notification become invisible when the guide or door is opened, requiring users to check jam removal status through a display rather than visible LEDs, which is not preferable in terms of user experience.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a light emitting element mounted on an opening/closing portion, allowing the light to be visible from both the closed and open positions, ensuring users can see the LED indicators regardless of the unit's position, enhancing operability and reducing the need for multiple LEDs at each position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If LEDs are provided at the guide and door to notify jam position, then the user can be notified of the jam location, but the LEDs become invisible when the guide or door is opened
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide member is introduced as an intermediary between the LED and the exterior surface. The LED is positioned inside the guide body, and the light guide member transmits the LED light to the exterior surface through a light transmission portion, allowing the notification light to remain visible even when the guide is opened for jam removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The light notification function is copied to the exterior surface of the guide through the light guide member. Instead of placing the LED directly on the exterior where it would be obscured by opening the guide, the light transmission creates a visual copy of the LED notification at a location that remains visible during operation.
2Loss of information
If multiple LEDs are provided at both closed and open positions, then visibility is maintained in all states, but the number of LEDs and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single LED with associated light guide structure serves multiple functions: it provides notification when the guide is closed and remains visible when the guide is opened. The light guide member enables this one component to fulfill the role that would otherwise require multiple separate LEDs positioned at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED notification system is merged with the guide body structure. The LED is positioned inside the guide body rather than as a separate external component, and the light guide member integrates the light transmission function into the existing guide structure, reducing the need for additional separate components.
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 users to efficiently remove jams by maintaining visibility of LED indicators during both closed and open states, improving operability and reducing costs by minimizing the number of LEDs required, thus enhancing the user experience and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitting element is configured to emit light and is mounted to the opening/closing portion such that the light emitted by the light emitting element is visible from an exterior surface of the opening/closing portion in a state where the opening/closing portion is at the closed position and is visible from an opposite side, with respect to the exterior surface, of the opening/closing portion in a state where the opening/closing portion is at the open position.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an opening/closing portion, and a light emitting element. The apparatus body includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet. the light emitted by the light emitting element is visible from an exterior surface of the opening/closing portion in a state where the opening/closing portion is at the closed position and is visible from an opposite side, with respect to the exterior surface, of the opening/closing portion in a state where the opening/closing portion is at the open position.