Movable Leg Intermediate Transfer Unit for Drum Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing interference between the intermediate transfer unit and photoreceptor drums during mounting and removal, which can lead to damage and hinder maintainability.

Innovation Solution

The intermediate transfer unit incorporates a movable leg that can change posture, allowing it to be supported in different positions to avoid interference with photoreceptor drums, and includes a bias spring and slide member for stable positioning and easy detachment, reducing the risk of damage and improving maintainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the intermediate transfer unit is detached from the apparatus main body, then the intermediate transfer belt may be damaged due to direct contact with the floor, but placing it on the floor is necessary for removal and installation operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrity of intermediate transfer beltVSAvoidmounting and removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces leg portions as intermediary support elements between the intermediate transfer unit and the floor. These legs elevate the intermediate transfer belt above the floor surface, preventing direct contact and potential damage while still allowing the unit to be placed on the floor for easy removal and installation operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the intermediate transfer unit has fixed support structure, then it is stable during operation, but it interferes with photoreceptor drums during mounting and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of intermediate transfer unitVSAvoidmounting and removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the leg portions movable rather than fixed. The legs can change their support position or configuration, providing stable support during normal operation while being repositionable to avoid interference with photoreceptor drums during mounting and removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If the intermediate transfer unit is designed with simple support structure, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot prevent damage to the intermediate transfer belt when placed on floor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidprotection of intermediate transfer belt

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the support function into separate leg portions rather than using a single integrated support structure. This segmentation allows each leg to be independently designed and positioned to provide floor protection, while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9778599B2Intermediate transfer unit that reduces damage of intermediate transfer belt placed on floor, and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An intermediate transfer unit includes an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of transfer rollers, a pair of sidewalls, and a plurality of leg portions. The plurality of the leg portions abut on a predetermined installation surface when the intermediate transfer unit is detached from an apparatus main body. At least three of the leg portions are located at a lower end portion of the pair of the sidewalls. At least one sidewall of the pair of the sidewalls includes a shaft portion protruding in a first direction. At least one leg portion among the plurality of the leg portions is a movable leg turnable about the shaft portion. The movable leg has a changeable posture between a first posture and a second posture. The first posture supports the intermediate transfer unit detached from the apparatus main body. The second posture is turned about the shaft portion from the first posture.