Regulating Member for Cartridge Movement Control in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in transporting a cartridge-mounted state due to vibration and impact, which can damage the cartridge or the apparatus main body, and existing solutions increase the size or cost of the device.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a regulating member that includes a first contact portion to absorb forces from the cartridge and a second contact portion to prevent movement of the regulating member, allowing stable transportation without increasing the apparatus size or cost, by using a lightweight material for the regulating member and a rigid main body frame to manage forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regulating member is provided between the open/close cover and the cartridge to control movement during transportation, then the cartridge movement is regulated, but the apparatus main body size increases due to the necessary space for the regulating member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the regulating member from the traditional location between the open/close cover and cartridge to a position between the cartridge and the apparatus main body frame. This spatial reconfiguration allows the regulating member to function effectively while minimizing the space required in the apparatus main body, thereby resolving the contradiction between movement control and size reduction.
2Reliability
If the open/close cover is firmly secured with a lock mechanism or tape to prevent opening during transportation, then the cover stability is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the transportation securing function from the open/close cover system and relocates it to the regulating member positioned between the cartridge and apparatus main body. By removing the lock mechanism or tape from the cover assembly, the solution maintains cover stability during transportation while significantly reducing device complexity and component count.
3Strength
If a rib is added to the open/close cover or the cover is thickened to enhance rigidity, then the cover strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the regulating member as an intermediary element between the cartridge and apparatus main body frame. This intermediary component absorbs and distributes impact forces during transportation, eliminating the need to strengthen the open/close cover through ribs or increased thickness. The solution maintains cover rigidity while using a simple, cost-effective regulating member that can be easily manufactured.
Data Source
AI summary
An inexpensive and stable regulating member which can control, without depending on an open/close cover, movement of a cartridge used for an image forming apparatus transportable in a cartridge-mounted state is provided. The regulating member includes a first contact portion which receives a first force applied from the cartridge to inside of the regulating member and a second contact portion which receives a second force that prevents the regulating member from moving from a regulating position by receiving the first force at a position away from a mounting and dismounting path of the cartridge where the cartridge passes when the cartridge is mounted on or dismounted from the apparatus main body.