Movable LED Exposure Units Prevent Protrusion in Image Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses with multiple photoconductor drums and LED exposure units, the movement of the supporting member outside the casing causes exposure units to protrude, leading to interference with other components and potential damage from user contact, affecting printing quality.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a drum supporting member with movable exposure units that can transition between an exposure position and a retreating position, using a motion-imparting member and engageable portions to ensure the LED arrays remain inside the supporting member, preventing protrusion and user contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drum supporting member is moved outside the casing to facilitate cartridge removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the exposure units protrude and may interfere with other components or be damaged by user contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge removalVSAvoidexposure unit protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure units are designed to move dynamically between an exposed position (when the supporting member is inside the casing) and a retracted position (when the supporting member is outside the casing). This dynamic positioning allows the exposure units to be protected during cartridge removal while maintaining functionality during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The exposure units automatically retreat to a protected position before the cartridge is fully removed from the casing. This preliminary action prevents potential damage from user contact or interference with other components during the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the exposure units are allowed to protrude for easier cartridge access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of user contact and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartridge accessVSAvoiduser contact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure units transition from a static to a dynamic configuration, automatically adjusting their position based on whether the supporting member is inside or outside the casing. This ensures they are protected during cartridge access while remaining functional during printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The exposure units self-protect by automatically retreating to a safe position when the supporting member is moved outside the casing, eliminating the need for additional protective mechanisms or user intervention to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the exposure units remain stationary during supporting member movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with other members

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinting qualityVSAvoidcartridge removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure units are designed to move in coordination with the supporting member's position. When the supporting member is outside the casing, the exposure units retract to avoid interfering with other members, enabling smooth cartridge removal. When the supporting member is inside the casing, the exposure units extend to their exposed positions for normal printing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 prevents interference with other components and protects the LED arrays from user contact, enhancing printing quality by maintaining the exposure units' integrity and ease of operation.

Implementation Method 1

Each LED head is disposed above a corresponding photoconductor drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

expose a corresponding photoconductor drum to light, to form an electrostatic latent image thereon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

Each arm is continuously biased upwardly by a spring, so that when the photoconductor drum is moved out of the body casing of the apparatus, the arm is released and swung upward by the action of the spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8688000B2Image forming apparatus with movable exposure units

Publication Date: 2014.04.01 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

In an image forming apparatus, each of a plurality of exposure units provided at a drum supporting member is configured to be movable between an exposure position in which the exposure unit is located in proximity to a corresponding photoconductor drum supported by the drum supporting member and a retreating position in which the exposure unit retreated away from the corresponding photoconductor drum is positioned by a stopper, such that the exposure unit is located inside the drum supporting member regardless of whether the exposure unit is in the exposure position or in the retreating position. A motion-imparting member is provided at the drum supporting member, movably relative to the drum supporting member and is configured to act on an engageable portion of each exposure unit to thereby cause the exposure unit to move to the exposure position or to the retreating position.