Support Shaft Assembly with Self-Compressing Engaging Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing support shaft assembly in inkjet image recording apparatuses is difficult to attach to the frame due to the need for precise alignment and compression of biasing springs, which can lead to instability and misalignment if not properly assembled.
Innovation Solution
The assembly includes a support shaft supported by a frame with an engaging member that compresses an elastic member, allowing for easy attachment by fitting the support shaft into recessed portions and engaging members, ensuring the elastic member is compressed and maintained in a stable state, preventing the support shaft from disengaging and maintaining positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support shaft is attached to the frame with biasing springs compressed by an assembler, then the attachment can be achieved, but the operation becomes difficult and unstable if the springs are not properly held
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is designed to automatically compress and hold the biasing springs when the support shaft is inserted into the frame, eliminating the need for the assembler to manually compress and hold the springs. The engaging member performs the spring compression action as part of the attachment process itself, making the operation easier and more reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member serves itself by automatically compressing and retaining the biasing springs without external assistance. When the support shaft is attached to the frame, the engaging member autonomously engages with the springs, compressing them to the correct position and maintaining them there, thus making the assembly process self-sufficient and eliminating the need for continuous assembler intervention.
2Reliability
If the biasing springs are compressed with high force to prevent jumping out, then the springs remain stable, but the assembler cannot easily hold and position them
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member acts as an intermediary between the support shaft and the biasing springs. It provides a mechanical interface that automatically compresses the springs when the shaft is inserted and maintains the compression force needed to prevent the springs from jumping out. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for the assembler to directly handle and hold the springs under compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member autonomously manages the biasing springs by compressing and retaining them without assembler intervention. The design allows the engaging member to self-regulate the spring compression force, maintaining reliable retention while requiring minimal manual effort from the assembler during attachment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the frame is made rigid to maintain positional accuracy, then the positional accuracy improves, but the assembly process becomes more difficult due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the rigid frame for positional accuracy, the support shaft for mechanical support, and the engaging member for flexible spring retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame remains rigid for precision while the engaging member provides the necessary flexibility for easy assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging member serves as an intermediary that bridges the rigid frame and the flexible biasing springs. It allows the rigid frame to maintain positional accuracy while the engaging member absorbs the flexibility needed for easy assembly and spring compression, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and assembly ease.
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 solution simplifies the attachment process, maintains the support shaft's stability, and improves the positional accuracy of components supported by the shaft, allowing for a rigid frame structure without deformation, ensuring reliable operation of the image recording apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member which is supported by the support shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a frame having a first wall and a second wall, a support shaft, an elastic member, and an engaging member. The engaging member has a first engaging portion, the first wall has a recessed portion, the second wall has a second engaging portion, and the support shaft has an insertion portion. The first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are engaged with each other in a state in which the insertion portion is fitted into the recessed portion and the elastic member is compressed by the engaging member.