Non-Circular Shaft Transfer Device for Easy Roller Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently installing and replacing conveyance units due to complex alignment and support mechanisms, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and increased user effort.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a conveyance guide with a non-circular rotation shaft and a shaft support featuring a circular hole and guide slot, along with a position restrictor that uses a snap-fit method to securely position the conveyance guide, allowing for simplified installation and easy replacement of the transfer roller without compromising the conveyance function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex alignment and support mechanism is used for the conveyance unit, then the reliability of the conveyance function is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft support is divided into two functional parts: a circular hole part for rotatable support and a guide slot for insertion guidance. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular shaft portion of the rotation shaft serves its own alignment function by sliding along the guide slot during insertion. The shaft's own geometry provides the alignment feature, eliminating the need for separate complex alignment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a complex alignment and support mechanism is used for the conveyance unit, then the reliability of the conveyance function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft support is divided into two functional parts: a circular hole part for rotatable support and a guide slot for insertion guidance. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function effectively while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular shaft portion of the rotation shaft serves its own alignment function by sliding along the guide slot during insertion. The shaft's own geometry provides the alignment feature, eliminating the need for separate complex alignment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a restrictor is added to prevent accidental disengagement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor function is merged with the circular hole part of the shaft support. The circular hole not only provides rotational support but also acts as a restrictor to prevent disengagement, combining multiple functions into a single structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular hole part serves multiple functions: it rotatably supports the rotation shaft, guides the insertion process through the guide slot, and restricts movement to prevent accidental disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a conveyance device configured to transport a conveyed object, a conveyance guide configured to guide the conveyed object to the conveyance device, a housing including a shaft support. The conveyance guide includes a rotation shaft that includes a non-circular shaft portion. The shaft support has a circular hole part and a guide slot. The circular hole part is configured to rotatably support the rotation shaft, and the rotation shaft is inserted into the shaft support through the guide slot while a flat surface of the non-circular shaft portion slides along a guide surface of the guide slot. The image forming apparatus further includes a restrictor configured to restrict movement of the rotation shaft inserted into the circular hole part of the shaft support in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the rotation shaft into the shaft support.