Movable Supporter with Restricting Unit for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses, such as color laser printers, are prone to inclining or toppling due to significant shifts in their gravitational center when the exposing apparatuses or developing cartridges are moved outside the main body frame for maintenance or replacement.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable supporter system with a restricting unit that allows for the attachment and detachment of developing cartridges through upper and front face openings, even when the supporter is inside the housing, thereby reducing the movement distance and stabilizing the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the exposing apparatus or developing cartridges are moved outside the main body frame for maintenance or replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the apparatus deteriorates due to significant shift in gravitational center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a movable supporter that can dynamically adjust its position between an extended state (for easy cartridge replacement) and a retracted state (for stability). The supporter moves along guide rails within the main body frame, allowing the gravitational center to be dynamically adjusted based on operational needs, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of maintenance and apparatus stability.
2Ease of operation
If the supporter is moved completely outside the main body frame, then ease of operation is improved, but the apparatus becomes prone to inclining or toppling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cartridge replacement function from the main body frame by using a separate, movable supporter. This supporter can be extended outward for cartridge access but is constrained by guide rails to prevent complete detachment. The segmentation allows independent optimization of ease of operation while maintaining overall system reliability through controlled movement boundaries.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the supporter is kept inside the main body frame, then stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The movable supporter provides dynamic accessibility to developing cartridges. When maintenance is needed, the supporter can be extended outward along the guide rails, providing easy access to cartridges. When not in use, it retracts to maintain apparatus stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If the supporter is made movable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to adding restricting unit and guide rails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing guiding surfaces and restricting units only at critical locations where the supporter interacts with the main body frame. Rather than making the entire system complex, the guidance mechanism is localized to specific contact points and movement paths, minimizing overall device complexity while still enabling controlled movability for easy cartridge access.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus comprises: a housing; a supporter located in the housing, a plurality of developing apparatus attachable to and detachable from the supporter; and a restricting unit that restricts movement of the supporter while at least one developing apparatus supported by the supporter is inside the housing. The supporter is movable relative to the housing.