Radial Reader Layout With Movable Shield for Scanner Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cleaning image readers due to limited installation space and difficult access, which affects maintenance and reading accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with radially arranged scanners and a shield mechanism that allows easy access for cleaning, includes a thermally insulated support structure, and employs a movable scanner for improved maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the reader is installed in a compact space to reduce device size, then the device becomes more space-efficient, but cleaning access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is designed to be movable between a closed position (during operation) and an open position (during cleaning), transforming a static compact structure into a dynamic one that provides access when needed. This allows the device to maintain small size during operation while enabling easy cleaning access when the shield is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is extracted from the main operational structure by providing a separate access path through the movable shield. This allows cleaning to be performed on the reader without disassembling the entire device or compromising the compact design, as the shield can be independently opened to expose the reader for cleaning.
2Reliability
If the shield is kept closed to protect the reader, then reading accuracy is maintained, but cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shield transitions between closed and open states based on operational needs. During normal operation, the shield remains closed to protect the reader and maintain reading accuracy. During cleaning, the shield opens to provide access, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable shield is positioned to provide preliminary protection of the reader during operation, while pre-planned access paths are provided that allow the shield to be opened for cleaning without requiring complex disassembly or compromising the protective function.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a housing having an opening; a drum configured to rotate around a rotation axis to convey a medium in a conveyance direction; an image former configured to form an image on the medium on the drum; a reader downstream of the image former in the conveyance direction, the reader configured to read the image on the medium formed by the image former; a first space accommodating the reader; a second space downstream of the first space in the conveyance direction; a path between the first space and the second space; and a shield configured to openably close the path. The image former and the reader are radially arranged with respect to the rotation axis of the drum.