Pivotable Scanner Bearing Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses with pivotable scanner units face issues of loose engagement between the shaft and bearing due to elastic deformation, leading to easy disengagement during normal use.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable connecting structure with a shaft and bearing that includes a restricting portion to limit deformation within the range of tilt, an arc-like shape for the restricting portion, and a guiding portion to facilitate engagement, ensuring tight and secure connection between the shaft and bearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an opening is formed in the bearing to improve ease of engagement with the shaft, then the bearing can be easily engaged with the shaft, but the bearing may not be tightly engaged and may relatively easily disengage from the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing's outer periphery is divided into two functional segments: an opening portion that enables easy engagement with the shaft, and a restricting portion that prevents disengagement during operation. This segmentation allows the bearing to simultaneously achieve ease of assembly and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the bearing's outer periphery are given different functional properties: the opening portion provides elastic deformation capability for easy engagement, while the restricting portion maintains structural integrity to prevent disengagement. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of engagement and engagement stability.
2Ease of operation
If the bearing is made elastic to facilitate engagement with the shaft, then the ease of engagement is improved, but the bearing may deform excessively during the range of tilt causing disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing structure is segmented into an elastic opening portion that deforms during engagement and a rigid restricting portion that maintains shape stability during operation. This segmentation allows controlled elastic deformation only where needed for engagement while maintaining overall shape stability during tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions: the opening portion has high elasticity to facilitate engagement, while the restricting portion has high rigidity to maintain shape stability during the range of tilt. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of engagement and shape stability.
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 maintains a tight engagement between the shaft and bearing, preventing disengagement during the range of tilt, improving ease of engagement and reducing interference with surrounding components.
Implementation Method 1
a bearing having an opening formed in one part thereof in a peripheral direction and which can be engaged with the shaft by deforming in a direction of expansion of the opening occurring at the moment the bearing is engaged with the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An ink jet printer includes an openable/closable scanner unit which is provided in an upper portion of a recording unit configured to execute recording on a sheet. A shaft is formed on a main frame which constitutes a base of the recording unit. The scanner unit is enabled to tilt in relation to the recording unit when the bearing provided to the scanner unit engages the shaft. A restricting portion is provided at a location opposing the outer periphery of the bearing. The restricting portion restricts the deformation of the bearing in a direction of expansion of an opening of the bearing within the range of tilt of the scanner unit.