Rotary Force Control Apparatus with Periodic Solenoid Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotary force controlling apparatuses for image forming apparatuses face issues with overheating, inaccurate control due to continuous solenoid operation, and limited ability to stop a rotary body at multiple locations, leading to potential distortion of images and reduced component lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A rotary force controlling apparatus with a clutch device and solenoid unit that includes a first positioning unit for initial positioning and multiple second positioning units for precise stopping, utilizing an elastic member and armature to control the rotary body's position based on solenoid state, allowing instantaneous ON and OFF operations to prevent overheating and enable stopping at multiple locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the solenoid unit is operated continuously to control the rotary body position, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the solenoid unit overheats and component lifespan is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsolenoid temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The solenoid unit is operated periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the solenoid only at specific moments when positioning adjustments are needed, allowing the solenoid to cool down between operations. This periodic activation maintains positioning accuracy while preventing overheating and extending component lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the solenoid unit is operated continuously to maintain positioning, then the positioning stability is improved, but energy consumption increases and overheating occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidsolenoid energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic solenoid activation controlled by a controller that monitors positioning needs. The solenoid is activated only when positioning corrections are required, maintaining positioning stability through controlled interventions rather than continuous operation, thereby reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary body positioning system utilizes the natural rotation and mechanical positioning features of the rotary body itself. The controller determines when positioning intervention is needed by monitoring the rotary body's position, allowing the system to self-regulate and minimize solenoid activation while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single positioning unit is used to control the rotary body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to stop at multiple locations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning unit quantityVSAvoidmulti-location stopping capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The single positioning unit is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple positioning locations. The controller intelligently directs the positioning unit to different positions on the rotary body based on the required stopping location, allowing one positioning unit to perform the function of multiple positioning units while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures accurate and efficient control of the rotary body's position, preventing image distortion and extending component lifespan by avoiding continuous solenoid activation, while allowing smooth location changes and preventing equipment noise or abrasion.

Implementation Method 1

A solenoid unit is spaced apart from the clutch device and is selectively turned on and off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

The positioning unit includes a first positioning unit that positions an initial location of the rotary body when the solenoid unit is turned on

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7721859B2Rotary force controlling apparatus and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2010.05.25 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

A rotary force controlling apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the same are provided. The rotary force controlling apparatus includes a clutch device having a shaft, and a rotary body mounted at one end of the shaft. A housing receives and rotates together with the shaft. A power transferring member is rotatably mounted in the housing and selectively rotates the housing by a clutch inserted between the housing and the power transferring member. A positioning unit protrudes from the periphery of the housing and positions a stop location of the rotary body. A solenoid unit is spaced apart from the clutch device and is selectively turned on and off. The positioning unit includes a first positioning unit that positions an initial location of the rotary body when the solenoid unit is turned on; and a plurality of second positioning units that are separated from the first positioning unit and stop the rotary body at a predetermined location when the solenoid unit is turned off. Since the solenoid unit is turned off when the rotary body is stopped, the solenoid unit is prevented from being overheated.