Movable Cartridge Support for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently inserting and replacing multiple cartridges while minimizing space requirements and ensuring cartridge protection during insertion.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable member that supports multiple cartridges side by side, with a mechanism allowing the cartridges to be inserted and removed through a minimized opening area, utilizing a tray system that moves outside the apparatus for easy access and includes a door configuration to protect the cartridges and reduce the necessary space for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple cartridges are inserted simultaneously into the apparatus main assembly, then the productivity is improved, but the area of stationary object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is divided into multiple portions (first opening portion and second opening portion) that can be opened independently or simultaneously. This segmentation allows cartridges to be inserted through different paths, improving insertion efficiency without requiring a large single opening area in the apparatus main assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of opening portions and cartridge arrangements, transitioning from a single-plane insertion to a multi-level insertion structure. Cartridges are arranged in different vertical levels and inserted through corresponding opening portions, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to improve productivity without increasing the horizontal footprint of the apparatus.
2Area of stationary object
If the opening area is minimized for space-saving, then the area of stationary object is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into multiple smaller portions distributed across different locations and vertical levels. This allows the apparatus to maintain a compact overall footprint while providing multiple accessible entry points for cartridge insertion, thereby preserving ease of operation despite the minimized total opening area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cartridge holding member as an intermediary structure that temporarily holds multiple cartridges and guides them into the apparatus. This mediator facilitates easy cartridge insertion through the minimized opening portions while maintaining compact apparatus dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If cartridges are exposed during insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to foreign matter contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The opening portions are nested within the apparatus housing structure, with the ability to open selectively to expose only the necessary insertion areas. This nested configuration allows cartridges to be accessed and inserted while minimizing exposure of internal components to foreign matter, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening portions are designed to be opened selectively and sequentially before cartridge insertion. This preliminary action exposes only the specific areas needed for insertion while keeping other areas closed and protected, allowing easy cartridge access while preventing contamination of internal components.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided for forming an image on a recording material. An opening is provided to a main assembly of the image forming apparatus, with first and second openable members being movable between closed positions in which portions of the opening are closed and open positions in which portions of the opening are opened. A movable member is movable between a set position inside the main assembly and an outward position in which the movable member, having passed through the opening, is located at an outermost position. The movable member is capable of supporting a plurality of cartridges, side by side, with each of the cartridges including at least one of an image bearing member on which a latent image is to be formed and a developing roller for developing with a developer the latent image formed on the image bearing member.