Sensor Unit Cover Engaging Portion Prevents Detachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face the issue of a transparent cover member coming off unintentionally due to parallel movement, which can lead to operational disruptions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a cover member with an engaging portion sandwiched between the sensor unit and its holder, along with a cleaning member that elastically deforms to retain the cover member in place, preventing unintentional removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the transparent member is configured to be removed from the light path forming member by parallel movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the transparent member may come off unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidstability of cover member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member is divided into multiple functional parts: a light transmission portion for covering the optical path and an engaging portion for securing the assembly. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily removed while preventing unintentional detachment through the engaging portion's interaction with the holder and sensor unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging portion of the cover member is nested between the holder and the sensor unit, creating a layered structure where the cover is sandwiched securely. This nesting arrangement ensures the cover remains firmly in place during operation while still allowing intentional removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an engaging portion is added to the cover member to prevent unintentional removal, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of cover memberVSAvoidstructural complexity of cover member

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging portion is integrated into the cover member as a unified structure rather than a separate component. This merging of the covering function and the engaging function into a single cover member simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliability, avoiding the need for additional separate fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the light path, maintains structural integrity, and provides engagement mechanisms for secure attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9188922B2Image forming apparatus with sensor unit assembly cover member

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a sensor unit assembly including a sensor unit and a holder attached to the sensor unit, and a cover member attached to the sensor unit assembly. The sensor unit includes a light emitting element and a light receiving element. The cover member includes a light transmission portion covering a light emitting side of the light emitting element and a light receiving side of the light receiving element and an engaging portion sandwiched between the sensor unit and the holder.