Segmented Drive Transmission for Image Forming Apparatus

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive transmission devices for image forming apparatuses require large elastic forces to rotate driven gears, leading to increased size, cost, noise, and complexity due to the need for robust materials and mechanisms to handle these forces.

Innovation Solution

A drive transmission device design where a first rotational body rotates in synchronization with the driven rotational body using an elastic member, allowing the second rotational body to be rotated only when the driven rotational body engages with the driving rotational body, reducing the required elastic force and minimizing noise and material requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a large elastic force is used to rotate the driven rotational body, then the driven rotational body can be rotated when not engaged with the driving rotational body, but the size and cost of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic forceVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train is segmented into multiple rotational bodies (driven rotational body, first rotational body, second rotational body) that can rotate independently. This allows the elastic member to rotate only the driven rotational body without rotating all downstream members, reducing the required elastic force and apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls which rotational bodies rotate based on engagement state. When the driven rotational body is not engaged with the driving rotational body, only the driven rotational body rotates via the elastic member. When engaged, the drive train rotates as a unified system, optimizing force requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If a large elastic force is used to rotate the driven rotational body, then the driven rotational body can overcome resistance and rotate, but the cost of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic forceVSAvoidapparatus cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train is segmented into multiple rotational bodies (driven rotational body, first rotational body, second rotational body) that can rotate independently. This allows the elastic member to rotate only the driven rotational body without rotating all downstream members, reducing the required elastic force and apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a simpler, more economical configuration by eliminating the need for expensive, large-capacity elastic members. The segmented drive train allows using a smaller, cheaper elastic member that only needs to rotate the driven rotational body rather than the entire drive train

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If a large elastic force is used to rotate the driven rotational body, then the driven rotational body can be rotated against resistance, but noise increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelastic forceVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train is segmented into multiple rotational bodies (driven rotational body, first rotational body, second rotational body) that can rotate independently. This allows the elastic member to rotate only the driven rotational body without rotating all downstream members, reducing the required elastic force and apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of large elastic forces (which cause noise and collision) into a benefit by using a segmented drive train that requires smaller elastic forces, thereby reducing noise and collision-related harmful effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Productivity

If all members from the driven gear to the driven member constantly rotate, then the drive transmission is continuous, but the elastic member must be large and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive transmission continuityVSAvoidelastic member size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The drive train is segmented into multiple rotational bodies (driven rotational body, first rotational body, second rotational body) that can rotate independently. This allows the elastic member to rotate only the driven rotational body without rotating all downstream members, reducing the required elastic force and apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically controls which rotational bodies rotate based on engagement state. When the driven rotational body is not engaged with the driving rotational body, only the driven rotational body rotates via the elastic member. When engaged, the drive train rotates as a unified system, optimizing force requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This configuration reduces the elastic force needed, decreases noise, and simplifies the apparatus by allowing the use of smaller, less expensive elastic members, resulting in a more compact and cost-effective drive transmission system with reduced operational noise.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member that rotates the driven rotational body by an elastic force when the driven rotational body does not engage with the driving rotational body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10824109B2Drive transmission device and image forming apparatus including the same

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 CANON KK

AI summary

An elastic force of an elastic member 11 required for rotating a driven rotational body 8b is decreased.A first rotational body 8d and a second rotational body 9a arranged downstream of a driven rotational body 8b in a drive train that transmits a driving force from a driving rotational body 7 to a driven member 4 are included. The first rotational body 8d rotates in synchronization with the driven rotational body 8b. The second rotational body 9a is rotated by the first rotational body 8d and rotates the driven member 4. The first rotational body 8d rotates without rotating the second rotational body 9a when the driven rotational body 8b rotates by an elastic force of an elastic member 11.