Printer ROS Window Cleaning Guide Passageway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning the raster output scanner (ROS) window in printers are inefficient due to limited accessibility and the risk of introducing contaminants during manual cleaning, leading to distorted prints and scans.
Innovation Solution
A system with a cleaning guide passageway that enforces unidirectional motion to prevent contact between the cleaning tool and the ROS window during insertion, ensuring the cleaning pad only contacts the surface during removal, thus preventing contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning apparatus is used to clean ROS window, then cleaning accessibility is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cleaning guide passageway is introduced as an intermediary structure between the cleaning tool and the ROS window. The passageway includes a guide that directs the cleaning tool and an exit flap that controls access to the cleaning area, preventing direct contact between the cleaning tool and contaminants while enabling controlled cleaning motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: an entry portion for tool insertion, a guide portion for directing motion, a cleaning portion where actual cleaning occurs, and an exit flap for controlling access. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while preventing contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If unidirectional cleaning motion is enforced, then contamination prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning guide passageway incorporates a dynamic exit flap that automatically opens and closes based on the cleaning tool's motion. The flap opens to allow cleaning tool insertion, closes to prevent contamination during cleaning, and opens again for tool removal. This dynamic behavior enforces unidirectional motion without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism is designed to automatically control the exit flap's opening and closing based on the natural insertion and removal motions of the cleaning tool. The system self-regulates the cleaning process without requiring external control, sensors, or complex actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer ROS window cleaning system enforces unidirectional cleaning motion through a passageway formed in the printer housing. A guide has a distal portion that engages a cleaning tool from insertion until a cleaning portion reaches the rear of the passageway. A cleaning tool deflector positioned at the rear of the passageway biases the cleaning tool from the distal portion of the passageway to a proximate portion so that the cleaning portion contacts the ROS window. A unidirectional cleaning feature ensures that the cleaning portion will contact the ROS window during removal of the cleaning tool by preventing re-insertion of the cleaning tool in the proximate portion of the passageway.