Image Forming Device Opening Unit Roller Groove Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming devices have limited design flexibility due to the restricted movement of rotatable units, which reduces the freedom in designing both the unit and the main body, especially when dealing with sheet transport paths and maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
The image forming device incorporates an opening unit that can rotate to expose or conceal the transport path, featuring a first roller with a shaft that moves within a predetermined space and is inserted into a groove formed in a direction different from the roller's trajectory, allowing for increased design freedom by using an elastic member to absorb forces during closure and a bearing holder to guide the roller's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shaft of the first roller moves along a fixed trajectory during closure, then the groove must be formed along the trajectory direction, but this restricts the design freedom of the unit and main body
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allows the shaft to move dynamically within a predetermined space rather than along a fixed trajectory. The groove is formed in a direction different from the shaft's movement direction, enabling the shaft to move flexibly within the space while still achieving proper engagement with the groove during closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimensional relationship between the shaft movement and groove formation. Instead of forming the groove along the trajectory direction (one-dimensional constraint), the groove is formed in a different direction while the shaft moves within a predetermined three-dimensional space, adding design freedom.
2Ease of repair
If the opening unit is rotated to expose the transport path for maintenance, then maintenance operations become easier, but the device size increases due to the need for additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The first roller and its shaft are installed within the opening unit that can rotate relative to the main body. The shaft moves within a predetermined space defined by the opening unit's rotation, allowing the roller to be properly positioned and maintained while the unit itself can be rotated for access.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening unit is designed to rotate dynamically between a closed position (when not in use) and an open position (for maintenance). This rotational movement allows the transport path to be exposed for maintenance operations while minimizing the device size when closed.
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
This design enhances the degree of freedom in device design, facilitates easier maintenance, and allows for stable operation of rollers, improving the overall functionality and usability of image forming devices like photocopiers and printers.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member to absorb forces during closure
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming unit 100 has a main body 1 and an opening unit 22 that can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 1. An installation unit 99 is provided to install the secondary transfer roller 20 in the opening unit 22 so that a secondary transfer roller 20 of the opening unit 22 can move within a predetermined space within a bearing holder 25. When the opening unit 22 is closed, the secondary transfer roller 20 presses against an opposing roller 21 of the main body 1. A groove 32 in the main body 1 is formed in a direction different from a trajectory on which the shaft 20a of the secondary transfer roller 20 moves when closing the opening unit 22. The shaft 20a of the secondary transfer roller 20 is inserted into the groove 32 while moving within the predetermined space.