Rotating Exposure Unit for Image Forming Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming devices, the exposure surfaces of LED heads are prone to damage or contamination with dust when the stacker cover is opened, as they are exposed to the open side, leading to potential damage or contamination.

Innovation Solution

An image forming device design where the exposure unit is configured to turn between an exposure position and an evacuation position, directing the exposure surface away from the open side when the device is opened, preventing exposure to dust and potential damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stacker cover is opened to allow drum unit replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but the exposure surfaces of LED heads are exposed to dust and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrum unit replacementVSAvoiddust contamination and damage to exposure surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure unit is made dynamically movable between a working position (where it exposes the photoconductive drum) and a retracted position (where it is protected inside the stacker cover). This dynamic repositioning allows the exposure surfaces to be shielded during maintenance operations while remaining functional during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The exposure unit is retracted to a protected position before the stacker cover is opened for maintenance. This preliminary action ensures that the exposure surfaces are already shielded from dust and damage before the harmful condition (open cover) occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the exposure unit is fixed perpendicular to the stacker cover, then device complexity is reduced, but the exposure surfaces become vulnerable to damage and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure unit mountingVSAvoidexposure surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a fixed mounting, the exposure unit employs a movable mounting mechanism that allows it to retract into the stacker cover. This dynamic capability protects the exposure surfaces while maintaining relatively simple integration with the existing stacker cover structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stacker cover itself acts as a protective enclosure that can be opened for maintenance while providing protection for the exposure surfaces when closed. The cover functions as a flexible barrier that adapts between open and closed states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of repair

If the exposure surfaces are exposed to the open side for easy access, then ease of repair is improved, but the surfaces are damaged or tainted with dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexposure surface accessVSAvoiddust adhesion and surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exposure unit retracts into the stacker cover when the cover is opened, keeping the exposure surfaces protected while allowing the cover to be opened for maintenance. This dynamic positioning enables maintenance personnel to access the drum units without exposing the LED heads to dust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The exposure surfaces are extracted from the open side of the stacker cover by retracting them into the protected interior space. This separation allows the open side to be accessed for maintenance while the sensitive exposure surfaces remain in a protected environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Prevents exposure surfaces from being damaged or contaminated with dust, allowing for safe operation and maintenance without compromising the device's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an exposure unit turning mechanism configured to turn the exposure unit between an exposure position where the exposure surface is directed to the surface of the photoconductive body in the closed state of the second device body and an evacuation position where the exposure surface is directed substantially to the first side end of the second device body in the opened state of the second device body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational movement:

Data Source

PatentUS7991325B2Image forming device having exposure unit provided to first device body rotatably joined to second device body

Publication Date: 2011.08.02 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming device includes a first device body, a second device body having a first side end and a second side end opposite to the first side end, the first side end being rotatably joined with the first device body, the second side end turning around the first side end between an opened state and a closed state, a photoconductive body provided in the first device body, an exposure unit provided to the second device body, the exposure unit having an exposure surface exposing the photoconductive body and form a latent image on the photoconductive body, and an exposure unit turning mechanism that turns the exposure unit between an exposure position where the exposure surface is directed to the photoconductive body in the closed state and an evacuation position where the exposure surface is directed to the first side end in the opened state.