Modular Image Forming Apparatus with Separable Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet type image forming apparatuses face challenges in expanding or changing functions easily, leading to increased development and manufacturing costs, and higher machine downtime due to the incorporation of units like inkjet engines, sheet feeding cassettes, and conveying paths into a single body, limiting their adaptability to various specifications.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus and assembly system where the sheet feed conveying unit, image forming units, and sheet eject conveying unit are arranged and connected in a separable manner, allowing for the selection and combination of different image forming units with inkjet heads of various colors, and a higher-level apparatus exchanges information to determine the correct configuration and drive the units, enabling easy expansion or change of functions based on specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If units like inkjet engines, sheet feeding cassettes, and conveying paths are incorporated into a single body, then the structure becomes integrated and stable, but the adaptability to various specifications decreases and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus is divided into separable modules: a sheet feed conveying unit, multiple detachable image forming units (each with inkjet engines), and a sheet eject conveying unit. These modules can be connected and disconnected, allowing the system to be configured differently for various specifications while maintaining structural stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheet feed conveying unit and sheet eject conveying unit are designed as universal components that can work with multiple different image forming units. The conveying paths are configured to accommodate various inkjet engine types and color combinations, enabling the same base structure to serve multiple functions and specifications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If units are incorporated into a single body, then the structure is integrated, but manufacturing costs and development costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the apparatus into separable modules (sheet feed unit, image forming units, sheet eject unit), each module can be manufactured independently using standardized processes. This reduces tooling costs and allows for economies of scale in producing common components like the conveying units and inkjet engines separately before final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal conveying units and standardized connection interfaces allow the same components to be used across different configurations and models. This reduces the variety of unique parts that need to be manufactured, lowering overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining integrated functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If units are incorporated into a single body, then the structure is integrated, but machine downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separable image forming units can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the entire apparatus. If one inkjet engine requires maintenance or replacement, only that specific module needs to be detached and swapped, while the sheet feed and sheet eject conveying units remain in place and operational, significantly reducing downtime compared to replacing an entirely integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized interfaces and universal conveying units allow interchangeable image forming units to be quickly attached and detached. Multiple identical or alternative image forming units can be pre-prepared, enabling rapid replacement to minimize machine downtime while maintaining structural integration during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feed conveying unit having an outlet for a recording medium on one side; at least one image forming unit having an inlet for the recording medium on one side and an outlet for the recording medium on the other side; and a sheet eject conveying unit having an inlet for the recording medium on one side, wherein the sheet feed conveying unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet eject conveying unit are arranged along a conveying direction of the recording medium; the outlet of the sheet feed conveying unit matches the inlet of the image forming unit; the outlet of the image forming unit matches the inlet of the sheet eject conveying unit; and the sheet feed conveying unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet eject conveying unit are connected to each other in a separable manner.