Partial Reverse Clutch Assembly for Duplex Drum Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mid-range mono platforms require a dedicated solenoid to reverse both the photoconductor drum and media, leading to increased costs, and existing motor reversal methods can cause toner contamination and localized cleaning failures.
Innovation Solution
A partial reverse clutch assembly comprising a frame, coupling member, corrugated swing body, and cam body that allows the main motor to reverse the paper while precisely maintaining photoconductor drum reversal, using a mechanism with input and output gears, a cylindrical coupling member, and a cam body that decouples during reverse rotation to control the angle of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated solenoid is used to reverse both the photoconductor drum and media, then the reversal function is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the photoconductor drum reversal and media reversal functions into a single integrated clutch assembly. The clutch assembly uses one solenoid to control both reversal operations through a unified mechanical linkage system, eliminating the need for separate solenoids while maintaining reliable reversal functionality for both components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs photoconductor drum reversal and media reversal. The single solenoid actuates a swing arm mechanism that can engage different gear paths to achieve both reversal functions, making the device universal for multiple reversal tasks.
2Reliability
If the main motor is reversed to reverse the photoconductor drum, then the cleaning function is improved, but toner contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reversal control into distinct phases: the clutch assembly engages the output gear with the swing arm to reverse the photoconductor drum for a precise, limited angle (15-18 degrees), then disengages before full motor reversal occurs. This segmentation prevents the main motor from reversing the media, avoiding toner contamination while maintaining the cleaning benefit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial reversal action by limiting the photoconductor drum reversal to exactly 15-18 degrees through the clutch mechanism's geometric constraints. This partial action is sufficient to relax the cleaner blade and prevent cleaning failures, but stops before causing media reversal and toner contamination.
3Ease of operation
If the main motor is reversed for duplex operation, then the media reversal is achieved, but the photoconductor drum reversal precision is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main motor and the photoconductor drum. It translates the motor's reversal motion into a precisely controlled 15-18 degree drum reversal through its gear engagement geometry, then disengages to allow full media reversal. This intermediary function preserves drum reversal precision while enabling complete media reversal for duplex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch assembly dynamically engages and disengages during the motor reversal cycle. The swing arm mechanism naturally engages the output gear at the start of reversal, maintains precise control during the 15-18 degree window, then disengages as the reversal progresses. This dynamic operation enables both precise drum reversal and complete media reversal for duplex functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A partial reverse clutch assembly comprises a frame, a coupling member, a corrugated swing body, and a cam body. The frame mounts an input gear and an output gear, and, a coupling member that is disposed between input and output gears couple the input gear to the output gear to transmit a motorized rotational drive in a first direction. The swing body is coupled between the input gear and the coupling member and comprises a projecting swing arm. The cam body abuts and defines a sliding contact between the swing body and the coupling member, where a reversal of the motorized rotational drive oppositely rotates the output gear in engagement with the swing arm in a second direction. The cam body is displaced upon contact with the swing body during the rotation in the second direction to decouple the coupling member between the input gear and the output gear.