Optical Scanner Attachment Mechanism for Narrow Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing techniques for attaching and detaching the optical scanning device in image forming apparatuses are cumbersome due to the narrow space within the apparatus body, making maintenance difficult and prone to losing screws.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a frame and attachment device that includes a fixing pin, biasing member, and locking mechanism, allowing for easy attachment and detachment of the optical scanning device without the need for screws, preventing loss of fastening members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If normal screws are used to fasten the optical scanning device, then the device can be securely fixed, but the attaching/detaching work becomes difficult and time-consuming due to narrow space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into a fixing pin (for secure attachment) and a separate locking member (for securing the fixing pin). This segmentation allows the fixing pin to be easily inserted and positioned, while the locking member provides the secure fastening function, enabling simple attachment/detachment operations even in narrow spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing pin is designed to be movable along the inserting direction, transitioning between a protruding state (for engagement) and a retracted state (for easy removal). This dynamic design allows the pin to be easily inserted and removed without requiring complex screwing/unthreading operations, significantly improving ease of attaching/detaching while maintaining secure fastening when engaged.
2Strength
If screws are used for fastening, then the optical scanning device can be securely attached, but the screws are prone to being lost during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member integrates multiple functions: it locks the fixing pin in place to prevent dropout, engages with the fixing pin to provide secure fastening, and remains positioned within the apparatus body during detachment. By merging these functions into a single component that stays within the apparatus, the design eliminates the risk of fastening members being lost during removal while maintaining strong attachment.
3Strength
If the optical scanning device is fastened with multiple screws, then secure attachment is achieved, but maintenance work becomes difficult in the narrow apparatus body space
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device extracts the complex multi-screw fastening system and replaces it with a simplified mechanism consisting of a single fixing pin and locking member. This extraction of unnecessary complexity allows maintenance personnel to easily access and operate the attachment/detachment mechanism even in the narrow space within the apparatus body, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining secure attachment.
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
Facilitates the attachment and detachment of the optical scanning device, preventing fastening member loss and simplifying maintenance within the narrow apparatus body.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member biasing the fixing pin toward the inserting direction of the attached object
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes a frame (61) supporting an attached object (23) inserted into an apparatus body (2) and an attachment device (62) fixing the attached object (23) supported by the frame (61). The frame (61) includes a leading end plate (61b) facing to a leading end in an inserting direction of the attached object (23). The attached object (23) includes a fixing pin (65) supported by the leading end plate (61b) in advanceable/retreatable state along the inserting direction and formed connectable to the attached object (23), a biasing member (66) biasing the fixing pin (65) toward the inserting direction and a locking member (67) restricting dropout of the fixing pin (65). The attachment device (62) holds the attached object (23) being connected to the fixing pin (65) and receiving the biasing force of the biasing member (67) at a position gravitated to the leading end plate (61b).