Pressure Switching Mechanism with Hard Slide Aid for Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with noise generation and operational degradation due to engagement of the switch or operation member with the vibration isolating member in the pressure switching mechanism, particularly when the scoop has a slope, affecting the smooth operation of the pressure switching device.
Innovation Solution
The pressure switching device incorporates a vibration isolating member with a slide aid having greater hardness than the vibration isolating member, mounted on the scoop, to facilitate smooth sliding and prevent engagement, thereby reducing collision noise and ensuring proper operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a vibration isolating member is disposed at the striking position to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but the pivot lever may engage the vibration isolating member causing operational degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A slide aid is introduced as an intermediary component between the pivot lever and the vibration isolating member. The slide aid has a sliding surface that enables the pivot lever to smoothly slide over the vibration isolating member without engagement, thereby maintaining both noise reduction and operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The slide aid is specifically positioned at the striking position where the pivot lever contacts the vibration isolating member. The sliding surface of the slide aid has different properties (smoother, harder) than the vibration isolating member, creating a localized quality change that prevents engagement while preserving the vibration isolation function
2Ease of operation
If the scoop has a slope to facilitate operation, then ease of operation is improved, but engagement with the switch occurs causing operational degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The slide aid acts as an intermediary between the scooped portion and the switch, allowing the scooped portion to maintain its sloped shape for ease of operation while the slide aid's sliding surface prevents direct engagement with the switch
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a vibration isolating member is used to reduce collision noise, then noise is reduced, but engagement occurs causing operational degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The slide aid serves as a mediator between moving components (pivot lever, scoop) and the vibration isolating member, enabling smooth sliding contact that reduces collision noise while preventing engagement that would degrade operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The slide aid is made of a material with different hardness properties than the vibration isolating member. This parameter change in material hardness creates a sliding interface that reduces friction and prevents engagement, allowing the vibration isolating member to function without causing operational issues
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
The solution effectively suppresses engagement of the switch with the vibration isolating member, ensuring stable operation and reducing noise, thus improving the reliability and efficiency of the pressure switching mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The slide aid facilitates sliding of the switch or the operation member and prevents engagement of the switch or the operation member with the vibration isolating member
Implementation Method 2
a vibration isolating member that is interposed between the slide aid and the another one of the switch and the operation member
Implementation Method 3
the vibration isolating member, thereby reducing collision noise
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A pressure switching device (30) includes a switch (33) that switches between a pressing state in which a first opposed member (21) presses against a second opposed member (22) with predetermined pressure and a pressure decrease state in which the first opposed member (21) is disposed opposite the second opposed member (22) with no pressure or decreased pressure. A slide aid (56; 56A) contacts one of the switch (33) and an operation member (34) as the operation member (34) moves toward the switch (33), and is mounted on another one of the switch (33) and the operation member (34). A vibration isolating member (45; 45A) is interposed between the slide aid (56; 56A) and the another one of the switch (33) and the operation member (34). The slide aid (56; 56A) has a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the vibration isolating member (45; 45A).