Removable Holder Design for Image Forming Apparatus Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintainability due to the need for strong forces to remove the belt unit and complicated replacement procedures, as the cartridge and belt unit are not individually accessible, leading to poor maintainability and increased maintenance time.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a first holder for developing devices and a second holder for the belt member, both of which can be independently moved and removed in a direction perpendicular to the photoconductor's supporting shaft, allowing for easy installation and removal without the need for a large hole in the frame, thus improving maintainability and reducing the force required for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the belt unit and cartridge are separately removable, then maintainability is improved, but a relatively strong force is required to remove the belt unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the removal mechanism into two independent holders: a first holder for the cartridge and a second holder for the belt unit. Each holder can be removed separately with minimal force, resolving the contradiction between individual accessibility and removal force requirements.
2Force
If the cartridge is horizontally moved for removal, then the force required for removal is reduced, but the cartridge and belt unit are not individually accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the holding mechanism into two independent holders that can be removed separately. The first holder contains the cartridge while the second holder contains the belt unit, allowing individual access to each component without requiring horizontal movement of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension for holder removal, allowing both holders to be pulled out vertically from the housing. This vertical movement direction reduces the force required compared to horizontal movement while maintaining individual accessibility to each holder and its contents.
3Ease of operation
If a large hole is provided in the frame for component removal, then ease of operation is improved, but the rigidity of the apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension for component removal through the holders, allowing access without creating large holes in the frame structure. The guides facilitate vertical movement of holders while the frame maintains its structural integrity and rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided which includes a housing, a series of photoconductors on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, and developing devices, which each include a developing agent carrier for holding a developing agent. Also, the apparatus may include a holder, which is removable from the housing, for supporting the photoconductors and the developing devices, and an image reader provided at a top portion of the housing, which is configured to read an image on a document.