Movable Chute Layout for Short Harness and Solenoid Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with long harnesses connecting control boards to solenoid actuators, leading to noise amplification and increased wiring costs, as well as performance degradation due to high solenoid actuator temperatures during frequent operation.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a solenoid actuator supported by a first frame positioned further toward one side, allowing the movable chute to have a greater up-down movement range, and incorporates a duct to efficiently cool the solenoid actuator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the solenoid actuator is positioned close to the movable chute to reduce harness length, then noise and wiring cost are reduced, but the movable range of the movable chute in the up-down direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator is positioned in the first direction (lateral dimension) rather than directly above or below the movable chute, separating its position from the vertical movement path. This dimensional repositioning allows the movable chute to achieve large up-down movement range while keeping the harness length short, as the actuator is laterally offset but vertically aligned through the frame structure.
2Reliability
If the solenoid actuator operates frequently to control the movable chute, then the movable chute can be precisely positioned, but the solenoid actuator temperature increases and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The frame serves as an intermediary thermal management structure. The solenoid actuator is mounted on the frame, which acts as a heat sink and thermal pathway, dissipating heat away from the actuator during frequent operations. This intermediary structure enables continuous stable operation by preventing temperature buildup that would otherwise degrade solenoid performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a long harness is used to connect the control board to the solenoid actuator, then the solenoid actuator can be positioned flexibly, but noise is amplified and wiring cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator is repositioned in the first direction (lateral dimension) away from the main vertical axis, creating a compact lateral arrangement that shortens the harness length. This dimensional repositioning reduces the wire run length, thereby minimizing noise amplification and wiring costs while maintaining adequate positioning flexibility through the frame-mounted configuration.
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
This configuration reduces harness length, minimizes noise and wiring costs, and maintains stable, continuous operation of the movable chute by effectively cooling the solenoid actuator.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator configured to cause the movable chute to move between the first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
The transfer roller is configured to transfer a toner image on a sheet
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a main housing; a transfer roller rotatable about an axis extending in a first direction; a fixing device; a movable chute positioned between the transfer roller and the fixing device in a conveying direction; and a solenoid actuator. The movable chute is configured to guide the sheet, and is movable between: a first position; and a second position at which a downstream end in the conveying direction of the movable chute is positioned further downward relative to the downstream end of the movable chute positioned at the first position. The solenoid actuator is configured to cause the movable chute to move. The main housing includes: a first frame positioned further toward one side in the first direction relative to the movable chute and supporting the solenoid actuator; and a second frame positioned further toward another side in the first direction relative to the movable chute.