Light Guide Cover for Static Elimination Warping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing static eliminating devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively removing residual electric charges from photosensitive drums while ensuring uniform electrostatic charging, leading to potential disruptions in the image formation process.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a light source, a bar-form light guide, and a light guide cover, where the light guide cover holds the light guide along its longitudinal direction, enhancing light distribution and preventing warping, thus improving the static eliminating device's efficiency and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a light guide is used in a static eliminating device, then the uniformity of electrostatic charging is improved, but the light guide may warp during assembly or operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flat plate-shaped cover that constrains the light guide, preventing warping while maintaining the light guide's flexibility for light diffusion. The cover acts as a stabilizing shell that maintains the light guide's structural integrity during assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cover as an intermediary component between the light guide and the external environment. This cover mediates the structural stability issue by providing external support to the light guide, preventing warping without interfering with the light guide's primary function of diffusing light for uniform electrostatic charging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are assembled together in a static eliminating device, then the functionality is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light guide and cover into a unified assembly unit. The cover is designed to fit over the light guide, combining their functions (light diffusion and structural stability) into a single integrated component that is easier to handle and assemble as a complete unit rather than separate parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the static eliminating device into modular components (light source, light guide, cover) that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. The cover includes features like engagement protrusions and grooves that enable simple, tool-free assembly with the light guide and housing, reducing overall assembly complexity despite multiple functional components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a light guide cover is added to prevent warping, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to prevent light guide warping, maintains the alignment of the light guide with the light source, and protects the light guide from external damage. This multi-functionality justifies the additional component by consolidating several protective and stabilizing roles into a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a flat plate-shaped structure that acts as a stabilizing shell over the light guide. This thin-film approach provides necessary structural support without adding significant bulk or complexity, maintaining a sleek profile while ensuring the light guide remains flat and stable during operation.
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
The solution ensures consistent and efficient removal of residual electric charges, maintaining uniform electrostatic charging and improving the assembly process, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The light that has entered the light guide travels inside the light guide while being diffused, is reflected by the reflective portion toward the photosensitive drum side
Implementation Method 2
a reflective portion for reflecting the light from the LED lamp is formed. The light that has entered the light guide travels inside the light guide while being diffused, is reflected by the reflective portion toward the photosensitive drum side
Implementation Method 3
static elimination with light is used. The light that has entered the light guide travels inside the light guide while being diffused, is reflected by the reflective portion toward the photosensitive drum side, and exits toward the photosensitive drum
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device includes a light source, a light guide, a light guide cover, and a unit frame. The light guide is in a bar form and, while guiding light that has entered from the light source along the axial direction, sends forth the light. The light guide cover holds the light guide. The light guide cover is attached to a unit frame. The light guide cover includes a main body portion and a plurality of light guide holding portions provided along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion and holding the light guide at a plurality of places, and a plurality of guide engaging portions provided along the longitudinal direction of the main body portion. The unit frame has a cover fitting face to which the light guide cover is fitted and a plurality of cover guides with which a plurality of guide engaging portions engage respectively.