Solenoid-Actuated Flapper for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the size and weight of the main body while maintaining ease of mounting and dismounting of the fixing device, which is exacerbated by the need for complex link configurations that increase the number of components and weight.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivoting flapper mechanism with a pressure-changing mechanism and a cam system that allows for efficient mounting and dismounting of the fixing device, reducing the size and weight of the apparatus by minimizing the pivoting locus and using a solenoid to control the flapper's position, thereby simplifying the component configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flapper is disposed deep inside the image forming apparatus main body to enable mounting and dismounting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the pivoting locus of the cover becomes large and the size of the image forming apparatus main body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical link configuration with a solenoid-based actuation system. The solenoid (270) directly drives the flapper (240) to move between engaged and retracted positions, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing the number of components while achieving the same functional outcome of enabling fixing device mounting and dismounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control mechanism from mechanical linkage geometry to electromagnetic field actuation. By using the solenoid's plunger movement to directly position the flapper, the system achieves precise control of the flapper's position without being constrained by mechanical linkage dimensions, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size.
2Length of stationary object
If a complex link configuration is used to make the pivoting locus smaller, then the size of the image forming apparatus main body is reduced, but the number of components increases and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical link configuration with a solenoid actuation system. The solenoid (270) with its plunger directly controls the flapper (240) position, replacing multiple mechanical links, pivots, and connecting elements with a single electromagnetic actuator, thereby reducing component count and simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The solenoid (270) serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator and the positioning mechanism for the flapper (240). The plunger's linear motion directly translates to the flapper's angular displacement, combining what would traditionally require separate mechanical components into a single multi-functional element.
3Length of stationary object
If a complex link configuration is used to make the pivoting locus smaller, then the size of the image forming apparatus main body is reduced, but the weight of the image forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical linkages with a lightweight solenoid actuation system. The solenoid (270) and its plunger replace multiple metal links, pivots, and connecting rods, significantly reducing the overall weight of the apparatus while maintaining the same compact size and functional capability.
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 enables stress-free mounting and dismounting of the fixing device, reducing the overall size and weight of the image forming apparatus while maintaining efficient operation, particularly during paper jam situations.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid to control the flapper's position
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus (100) including an apparatus main body (101) including an image forming device (11) that forms an image on a recording material (P), a unit (30) detachably mounted in the apparatus main body, a switching member (40) pivotably provided in the apparatus main body, wherein while in a state in which the switching member has entered into the unit mounted in the apparatus main body, the switching member selectively switches a route through which the recoding material is guided, and a retracting member (90) provided in the apparatus main body, wherein in a course of dismounting the unit from the apparatus main body, the retracting member retracts the switching member to an outside of a mount area of the unit.