Print Head Support Structure for Protected Flexible Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional print heads in image forming apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization due to the protruding film-like portions that are exposed and prone to damage from external interference, limiting the reduction in size and increasing the overall size of the print head.
Innovation Solution
The print head design includes a support member with an opening and a space where the film-like protruding portion is bent into, allowing it to be accommodated within the space, thereby reducing the size and minimizing external damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the film-like protruding portion is disposed along the outer surface of the support member, then the length of the protruding portion can be secured, but the size of the support member cannot be reduced, leading to an increase in the size of the print head
Solution Approach 1:
The film-like protruding portion is disposed to extend into the space formed by the support member, nesting the protruding portion within the internal volume of the support member structure. This allows the protruding portion to achieve its required length without increasing the external dimensions of the print head, as it utilizes the internal space rather than extending outward.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the protruding portion in a linear fashion along the outer surface, the invention utilizes three-dimensional space by directing the protruding portion into the internal space of the support member. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the same functional length to be achieved within a more compact overall volume.
2Ease of operation
If the entire protruding portion is exposed to the outside from the outer surface of the support member, then the protruding portion is easily accessible, but the protruding portion is more likely to be damaged by interference from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion is nested within the space of the support member, which provides physical protection against external interference. The support member structure acts as a protective enclosure, reducing the likelihood of damage while still allowing the protruding portion to extend far enough to perform its function.
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 configuration achieves miniaturization of the print head while protecting the protruding portion from external interference, ensuring a secure and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array that focuses light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements on an image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A print head 3 includes: a light-emitting element substrate 311 having a plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 arranged in a line; a lens array 32 that focuses light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting elements 31-31 onto an image carrier (1); and a support member 316 that supports the light-emitting element substrate 311, and a film-like protruding portion 317 protrudes from the support member 316. The support member 316 is provided with a space SP having an opening SPa opened to the outside. The protruding portion 317 is disposed in a state of being bent from the opening SPa of the space SP into the space SP.