Locking Unit for Roller Attachment in Image Forming Apparatus
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of supporting members and locking units in image forming apparatuses increases maintenance and replacement costs and time, and existing designs may not ensure secure attachment and detachment of rollers, potentially leading to damage during use or external shocks.
Innovation Solution
A locking unit with a locker frame, movable locker arm, and elastic member that applies force to return the locker arm to the locking position, combined with a U-shaped bush and stoppers, allows for secure attachment and detachment of rollers while preventing damage from shocks and drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supporting member and locking unit structures become more complex to ensure secure attachment and withstand shocks, then the reliability and shock resistance improve, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is divided into distinct functional components: a locking member with a locking protrusion, a supporting member with a locking groove, and an elastic member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member automatically returns the locking member to the locked position after detachment, providing self-service functionality. This eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms, maintaining reliability while simplifying the structure.
2Reliability
If the supporting member and locking unit structures become more complex to ensure secure attachment and withstand shocks, then the shock resistance improves, but the ease of repair and replacement worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assembly is segmented into the roller itself, the supporting member, and the locking unit. This allows the roller to be easily replaced by simply detaching it from the supporting member, while the shock-resistant locking unit remains in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is designed to remain fixed on the supporting member while the roller is detached and replaced. This extraction approach allows users to replace only the worn roller without disassembling the entire locking mechanism, simplifying maintenance while maintaining shock resistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking unit design is used to reduce complexity and maintenance costs, then the ease of manufacture and maintenance improve, but the reliability and shock resistance worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides automatic resetting functionality, returning the locking member to the locked position after any displacement from shocks or drops. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable shock protection without requiring complex active control systems or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking protrusion and locking groove are designed with complementary curved surfaces that provide robust mechanical engagement. This curved geometry ensures positive locking while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing, preventing damage during shocks without requiring complex features.
4Ease of operation
If a simple locking unit design is used to reduce complexity, then the ease of operation for roller attachment and detachment improves, but the reliability and firm attachment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into a locking member that moves independently to engage or disengage from the supporting member. This segmentation allows users to easily detach the roller by simply moving the locking member, while the supporting member remains firmly attached to the main body.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is extracted as a separate movable component that can be easily manipulated by the user to release the roller. This extraction maintains firm attachment during operation while enabling simple user operation for maintenance, as the locking member can be easily moved to detach the roller without affecting the supporting member's secure attachment.
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 simplifies the assembly and maintenance of rollers, reduces replacement time and costs, and enhances the apparatus's strength to withstand external shocks and drops, ensuring easy and secure attachment and detachment of rollers.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which applies an elastic force to the locker arm to return the locker arm to the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a roller detachably attached to/from the main body, a supporting member supporting a rotary shaft of the roller, and a locking unit which includes a locker frame and a locker arm. The locker arm is elastically biased toward the locking position and is moved to a releasing position when a user pushes the locker arm. In addition, the locker arm is movably coupled to the locker frame fixed on the main body, and installed on the main body in a state where the locking unit is assembled in advance. Therefore, assembling processes of the apparatus can be simple, and a user can assemble the apparatus easily.