Movable Holding Device Connecting Unit Rigidity and Interference Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable holding devices in image forming systems face challenges in maintaining the rigidity of connecting units and setting the displacement of operation units within an allowable range, often resulting in interference with the movement of movable units due to varying apparatus types.
Innovation Solution
A movable holding device with a connecting unit that includes recessed members forming a space, allowing relative movement to change the position of the attachment unit, and featuring a tension coil spring for biasing, which increases rigidity and adjusts the movable range to prevent interference with the document feeding device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation unit is made displaceable to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the rigidity of the connecting unit deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit is divided into multiple segments (first connecting unit and second connecting unit) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the operation unit to be displaceable while maintaining overall structural rigidity through the coordinated movement of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit employs a composite structure combining rigid components (support member, operation unit) with flexible elements (tension coil spring). This composite design enables the connecting unit to provide both rigidity for stable operation and flexibility for displacement, resolving the contradiction between strength and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the displacement range of the operation unit is increased to improve accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but interference with the movable unit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tension coil spring applies a preliminary biasing force to the load member, creating a pre-compression that prevents the operation unit from displacing beyond the allowable range. This preliminary anti-action counteracts forces that would cause interference with the movable unit, limiting displacement to a safe range.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting unit is designed as a dynamic system where the first and second connecting units can move relative to each other within a controlled range. This dynamic design allows the operation unit to adjust its position for improved accessibility while the biasing force dynamically prevents excessive displacement that would cause interference.
3Reliability
If the rigidity of the connecting unit is increased to maintain stable positioning, then reliability is improved, but the ability to adjust position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting unit transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled movement. The first and second connecting units can move relative to each other, enabling position adjustment, while the tension coil spring maintains reliability by providing a restoring force that ensures stable positioning within the allowable range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the connecting unit from purely rigid to a combination of rigid and elastic elements. By introducing the tension coil spring, the connecting unit can elastically deform to allow position adjustment while maintaining sufficient rigidity for stable positioning, thus changing the mechanical parameters to achieve both adaptability and reliability.
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
The solution enhances the rigidity of the connecting unit, ensuring consistent operation unit positioning and preventing interference with the document feeding device, thus improving usability and convenience by maintaining equal rigidity at both high and low positions of the operation unit.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member for biasing the load member in the direction of increasing the frictional load
Data Source
AI summary
A movable holding device includes: a base; an attachment unit to which an operation unit is to be attached; and a connecting unit that extends in a longitudinal direction, has recessed members forming a space with each other and being connected to each other so that a relative movement thereof changes a position of the attachment unit with respect to the base, and has one longitudinal end portion connected to the base and another longitudinal end portion connected to the attachment unit.