Protection Member for Replacement Component Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inserting replacement components into apparatus bodies often result in damage due to protection members being either fully removed before insertion or left outside, leading to mechanical stress and improper alignment.

Innovation Solution

A protection member that is initially attached to the replacement component and remains attached until a specific stage of insertion, where it is removed to allow further insertion, featuring contact portions that prevent initial mechanical impact and a handle for easy removal, ensuring safe and complete insertion of the component.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the protection member is fully removed before insertion, then the replacement component can be easily inserted, but the replacement component is exposed to mechanical stress and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protection member is attached to the replacement component before insertion to preemptively protect it from mechanical stress during the insertion process. The protection member is removed at a predetermined stage after insertion has begun, allowing the most vulnerable phase to pass while still protecting the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protection member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs mechanical stress and impact forces during insertion. By being in place beforehand, it prevents direct transmission of harmful forces to the replacement component, particularly protecting sensitive parts like the image carrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Length of moving object

If the protection member is left outside the apparatus body during insertion, then the replacement component can be inserted completely, but the protection member may cause misalignment or interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion depthVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protection member is designed to be removed at a predetermined stage during insertion, not before and not after. This timing ensures that the component is inserted to the correct depth while the protection member is still providing guidance and protection, preventing misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protection member serves as an intermediary element during the insertion process. It facilitates proper alignment and positioning of the replacement component as it enters the apparatus body, then is removed once the component is properly positioned, preventing interference with final alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Length of moving object

If the protection member is removed at the stage where the front end is inserted, then further insertion is enabled, but the protection member must be precisely timed to avoid damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion depthVSAvoidprotection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protection member is attached in advance and remains in place during the critical initial insertion phase. It is removed at a predetermined stage that has been designed to occur after the most vulnerable portion of insertion is complete, ensuring reliable protection throughout the dangerous phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protection member is designed to be easily removable by the user at the appropriate stage, requiring no special tools or complex operations. The handle portion allows the user to simply pull the protection member off once the front end has been inserted, making the timing and execution reliable and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11442401B2Protection member, replacement component with protection member, and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

AI summary

A protection member for attachment to a replacement component before the replacement component is inserted into a body of an apparatus, to protect the replacement component, the replacement component being to be inserted into the body of the apparatus so as to act as a part of the apparatus, the protection member includes: a contact portion configured to come into contact with the body of the apparatus at a stage where a portion of the replacement component on a front side in an insertion direction is inserted into the body of the apparatus while the protection member is attached to the replacement component, in which the protection member is removed at the stage where the portion is inserted into the body of the apparatus, so as to allow further insertion of the replacement component.