Modular Image Forming Apparatus U-Shaped Transport Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require a longer width direction due to linear arrangement of devices, which can be inefficient in terms of space usage and flexibility in installation on varying floor surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes modular forming devices, a fixing device, a delivering device, and a supplying device with interchangeable housings, allowing for a U-shaped transport path and flexible device arrangement to change the sheet transporting direction, thereby reducing the apparatus width and accommodating different floor surface shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If devices are arranged in a linear fashion, then the image forming apparatus can maintain a simple structure, but the width in the direction perpendicular to the sheet transporting direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a linear arrangement to a U-shaped configuration that utilizes both the longitudinal and lateral dimensions. The sheet transport path extends in the longitudinal direction, then turns 180 degrees to return, effectively using the width dimension to reduce the overall apparatus width while maintaining functional simplicity.
2Device complexity
If devices are arranged in a linear fashion, then the structure remains simple, but the apparatus cannot adapt to varying floor surface shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the device arrangement flexible rather than fixed. The U-shaped configuration with 180-degree turning allows the apparatus to adapt its effective footprint to different installation spaces. The modular nature of forming devices that can be joined in different configurations further enhances this adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the sheet transport path is extended in the width direction, then all devices can be connected, but the apparatus occupies more installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by having the sheet transport path fold back on itself in a U-shape. The path extends forward, then nestles back by turning 180 degrees, allowing the sheet to traverse all devices (forming devices and fixing device) while returning to the starting side. This nested configuration reduces the overall width occupation compared to a linear extension.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes one or plural forming devices that form respective images on a recording medium that is being transported, a fixing device provided on a downstream side with respect to at least one of the forming devices in a direction of transport of the recording medium and that fixes the images formed on the recording medium, a delivering device that receives the recording medium transported in a first direction and discharges the recording medium in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and a supplying device that supplies the recording medium to any of the forming devices or to the delivering device. The forming devices, the fixing device, the delivering device, and the supplying device have respective housings and are each joinable to any of the other devices.