Movable LED Unit Clears Drawer Path in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, the LED unit interferes with the movement of the drawer when transitioning from the inside to the outside position, hindering the detachment and attachment of the drum unit.
Innovation Solution
The LED unit is designed to move between two positions, with the second position being farther away from the photosensitive drum and closer to the first side wall, allowing it to clear the path for the drawer's movement by inclining upward as it shifts from the first to the second position, utilizing a guide and ribs for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the LED unit is positioned to expose the photosensitive drum, then the exposure function is achieved, but the LED unit interferes with the drawer movement when transitioning from inside to outside position
Solution Approach 1:
The LED unit is made movable between a first position (when drawer is in inside position) and a second position (when drawer is in outside position). This dynamic positioning allows the LED unit to adapt its location based on the drawer's state, resolving the conflict between maintaining exposure function and avoiding interference with drawer movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED unit is positioned in advance to a first position before the drawer moves to the outside position, ensuring it does not interfere with drawer movement. When the drawer is retracted to the inside position, the LED unit is then positioned to the first position to perform exposure, preparing the system in advance for the next operation cycle.
2Ease of operation
If the LED unit moves closer to the first side wall, then interference with drawer movement is reduced, but the exposure distance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED unit's position is dynamically adjusted based on the drawer's location. When the drawer is in the outside position, the LED unit is positioned closer to the first side wall to avoid interference. When the drawer is retracted, the LED unit moves to the first position to achieve optimal exposure distance, thus dynamically balancing both requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing includes a first side wall having a first opening and a second side wall arranged spaced away from the first side wall in a first direction. A drawer detachably supports a drum unit. The drawer moves through the first opening between an inside position at which the drawer is located inside the housing and an outside position at which the drawer is located outside the housing. An LED unit moves between: a first position at which the LED unit exposes the photosensitive drum; and a second position at which the LED unit is farther away from the photosensitive drum than at the first position and the LED unit is closer to the first side wall in the first direction than at the first position.