Light Shielding Part Guides Cartridge and Blocks External Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
In downsized image forming apparatuses, the proximity of the cartridge to the front door and the placement of the photosensor make it challenging to prevent external light from interfering with the sensor's functionality, particularly when the cartridge is divided into a developing assembly and a toner box, requiring a more stringent light shielding measure due to the compact space.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a casing with a first opening on a side surface, featuring a first frame with a light receiver and a second frame with a light emitter, where the light emitter is positioned to be shielded by the cartridge when attached, and a light shielding part is placed between the light receiver and a second opening to prevent external light from reaching the sensor, guiding the cartridge to its attachment position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the photosensor is arranged at a position closer to the front door to enable cartridge detection, then the cartridge attachment detection capability is improved, but external light enters through the paper feeding port and causes sensor malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A light shielding part is introduced as an intermediary element between the light receiver and the paper feeding port. This light shielding part selectively blocks external light from reaching the light receiver while allowing the light emitter's signal to pass through to the light receiver for cartridge detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding part is divided into multiple segments: a first light shielding part extending from the light receiver toward the paper feeding port, and a second light shielding part extending from the first light shielding part toward the paper feeding port. This segmented structure creates a light-tight barrier while maintaining the detection function.
2Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is downsized to reduce overall dimensions, then the compactness is improved, but the space available for light shielding measures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it shields external light from reaching the light receiver, guides the cartridge to the correct attachment position through its structural configuration, and integrates into the existing apparatus framework without requiring separate dedicated shielding components.
Solution Approach 2:
The light shielding function is merged with the cartridge guiding function by designing the light shielding part to extend toward the paper feeding port and define the cartridge insertion path. This combines two protective/guiding functions into a single structural element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cartridge is divided into a developing assembly and a toner box to improve modularity, then the cartridge flexibility is improved, but the photosensor must be positioned closer to the front door requiring stricter light shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The light shielding part acts as an intermediary barrier that protects the photosensor from external light while allowing the modular cartridge design to function. The shielding part is positioned to block light paths from the paper feeding port to the light receiver, enabling the photosensor to be placed closer to the front door for modular cartridge detection.
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 effectively shields external light from reaching the photosensor, ensuring accurate detection of the cartridge's state while maintaining a compact design, even in limited space, thereby preventing sensor malfunctions caused by external light.
Implementation Method 1
a photosensor including a light receiver provided to the first frame and a light emitter provided to the second frame and configured to emit light toward the light receiver
Implementation Method 2
the light receiver being positioned such that the light emitted by the light emitter is shielded by the cartridge and does not reach the light receiver when the cartridge is attached
Implementation Method 3
a light shielding part provided to the first frame, the light shielding part being located between the light receiver and the second opening when the door is located at the closing position so that external light entering the casing through the second opening and directed toward the light receiver is shielded by the light shielding part
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus has a first opening on a side surface of the casing, first and second frames, a cartridge detachably attached through the first opening, and light receiver and light emitter respectively provided to the first and second frames. The cartridge shields the light from the light emitted when attached to an attachment position. The first and second frames face across the attachment position. The light reaches the light receiver when the cartridge is detached from the casing. A door is movably secured to the casing between closing and opening positions, and a second opening allowing a sheet to pass through is formed on the door. External light entering through the second opening and directed toward the light receiver is shielded by a light shielding part provided to the first frame, which also serves as a guiding part to guide attachment of the cartridge.