LED Print Head Support Unit for Photoconductor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently supporting and positioning the LED print head during both printing and replacement operations, as the LED print head needs to be moved away from the photoconductor unit for maintenance, which can interfere with the process unit and complicate the replacement process.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a support unit that includes a light emitting element unit and an elastic member, allowing the LED print head to be supported and moved between operating and withdrawn positions using a combination of screws, coil springs, and torsion springs, ensuring proper alignment and interference-free replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the LED print head is disposed at the position close to the photoconductor during printing operation, then the printing quality is improved, but it interferes with the photoconductor unit replacement process
Solution Approach 1:
The LED print head is designed to be movable between a printing position (closely opposed to the photoconductor) and a retracted position (apart from the photoconductor unit). The support unit enables this dynamic repositioning, allowing the LED print head to be moved to the retracted position during photoconductor unit replacement to avoid interference, and to the printing position during normal operation to ensure printing quality.
2Ease of operation
If the LED print head is moved to the position apart from the photoconductor for replacement, then the photoconductor unit replacement is enabled, but additional operations are required and the process is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit is integrated with the photoconductor unit, forming a combined assembly. When the photoconductor unit is removed, the LED print head is automatically moved to the retracted position along with the support unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual retraction operations, simplifying the replacement process and reducing the time required.
3Measurement precision
If the LED print head is fixedly supported, then the alignment precision is improved, but the movement capability for replacement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support unit provides a dynamic support mechanism that can transition between fixed and movable states. During printing operation, the LED print head is fixedly supported to ensure precise alignment with the photoconductor. During replacement operation, the support unit enables the LED print head to be moved to the retracted position, providing the necessary adaptability.
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 solution enables seamless movement and positioning of the LED print head, facilitating easy replacement of the photoconductor unit without additional operations, while maintaining precise alignment for effective printing.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed between the light emitting element unit and the support unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a light emitting element unit disposed at an operating position closely opposed to a photoconductor in a printing operation and having a light emitting element that forms an image on the photoconductor, a support unit mounted in the image forming apparatus to support the light emitting element unit, and an elastic member disposed between the light emitting element unit and the support unit. In a state in which the light emitting element unit is disposed at the operating position, the support unit supports the light emitting element unit with the elastic member being disposed therebetween.