Magnetic Plenum Attachment Mechanism for Printer Heat Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices, such as high production laser printers, face challenges in efficiently attaching and detaching heat exhaust or air handling plenums to air outlet vents, often requiring mechanical hardware like screws or bolts, which is time-consuming and costly, especially for larger printers with metal exteriors.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically attachable air handling or heat exhaust plenum with thin magnetic sheeting that securely adheres to the printer's back, eliminating the need for holes or tools for attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical hardware (screws, bolts, clamps) is used to secure the plenum to the printer, then the attachment is reliable and secure, but the attachment process becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws, bolts, clamps) with a magnetic attachment system. Magnets are embedded in the plenum and correspond to magnetic elements on the printer housing, creating a secure attachment through magnetic force rather than mechanical fasteners. This eliminates the need for tools and manual fastening operations while maintaining reliable attachment.
2Reliability
If holes are made in the printer to attach plenums, then the plenum can be securely attached, but the printer structure is damaged and modification is required
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system eliminates the need to drill holes or modify the printer housing. The magnets are embedded in the plenum and attach to existing magnetic elements or ferromagnetic surfaces on the printer, allowing secure attachment without structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into two independent parts: magnets embedded in the plenum and corresponding magnetic elements on the printer housing. This segmentation allows the plenum to be attached and detached without permanent modification to the printer structure.
3Strength
If mechanical hardware is used for attachment, then the connection is strong and secure, but the detachment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic attachment system provides strong attachment through magnetic force while enabling easy detachment by simply removing the plenum from the magnetic elements on the printer housing. No tools or complex manipulation are required, as the magnetic connection can be broken by straightforward removal.
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
Facilitates easy and cost-effective attachment and removal of the plenum, reducing installation time and avoiding damage to the printer, while maintaining a secure hold for normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
The plenum has thin magnet sheeting on the side of the plenum that mates with the back of the printer, thereby facilitating easy attachment to and detachment of the plenum from the case of the printer
Data Source
AI summary
A simple and cost effective method of simplifying and speeding heat exhaust plenum attachment and detachment from a machine that uses metal for exterior covers and air output grills includes placing magnetic sheeting around that portion of the plenum that mates with the back of the machine and allowing the magnetic force of the sheeting to attach the plenum to the machine. The plenum can easily be detached from the machine by overcoming the magnetic force of the sheeting.