Printer Cartridge Holding Part and Laser Light Path Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing printer designs face limitations in downsizing due to the need for separate spaces to hold the holding part and allow passage of the information light for exposing the photosensitive drum, which restricts the compactness of the device.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a housing with a cartridge that can be detachably mounted, featuring a holding part for user removal and an exposing member that emits laser light to expose the image-bearing member, with the cartridge positioned opposite to the laser light trajectory, allowing for a compact configuration by integrating the holding and light exposure spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If separate spaces are provided for holding the holding part and allowing passage of information light, then the printer can ensure proper exposure function and user operation, but the printer size cannot be downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the holding part and the light passage space into a single integrated space. The holding part is positioned such that it does not obstruct the laser light path, allowing both functions to coexist in the same spatial region. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated spaces, thereby reducing the overall printer volume while maintaining both user operation capability and proper exposure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning the holding part in a location that is offset from the direct laser light path. The holding part extends in a direction that is substantially parallel to the light emission direction, effectively using vertical/dimensional space rather than horizontal space, thus allowing the light passage and holding function to overlap in the same footprint area.
2Ease of operation
If the holding part is positioned to be easily accessible for user removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the space for light passage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding part is designed with asymmetric positioning relative to the laser light path. It is offset in a direction substantially parallel to the light emission direction, creating an asymmetric spatial arrangement where the holding part does not interfere with the symmetric light path required for proper exposure. This asymmetric placement allows easy user access while preserving light passage quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial relationship as an intermediary between the holding part and the laser light path. By positioning the holding part in a specific three-dimensional location that is offset from the direct light path, the design uses spatial mediation to allow both the holding function and light passage function to coexist without direct interference.
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 enables a downsized image forming apparatus by ensuring a space for holding the holding part and allowing the information light to pass through, facilitating miniaturization of the printer while maintaining effective exposure of the photosensitive drum.
Implementation Method 1
The exposing member is disposed in the housing and configured to emit a laser light to the image bearing member
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a cartridge, and an exposing member. The housing is formed with an opening. The cartridge is configured to be detachably mounted in the housing through the opening. The cartridge is provided with an image bearing member, and a holding part configured to be held by a user so as to remove the cartridge from the housing. The exposing member is disposed in the housing and configured to emit a laser light to the image bearing member in an emitting direction so as to expose the image bearing member to the laser light. The cartridge is mounted in the housing at a side opposite to the opening with respect to a trajectory of the laser light.