Spring-Biased Drive Coupling for Stronger Gear Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drive transmission mechanisms in image forming apparatuses face strength reduction and assembly performance deterioration due to the need for a spring biasing system that requires a slit and cutting hole, leading to potential disengagement and reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A drive transmission mechanism featuring a cylindrical boss with a rim and web coupling, where the drive input gear part is coupled to a drive side input gear, and an output side coupling is rotated with a coil spring biasing it away, using a slide pin and coupling retracting mechanism to ensure proper alignment and engagement without the need for a locking claw or slit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring biasing system with slit and cutting hole is used to allow coupling retraction, then the coupling can be retracted for disengagement, but the strength of the drive input gear part and output side coupling decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the locking claw and its associated cutting hole from the drive input gear part, and removes the slit from the output side coupling. This extraction of the locking mechanism eliminates the structural weaknesses while maintaining the coupling retraction capability through the spring biasing system alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the retention function from the structural integrity requirements. The drive input gear part and output side coupling are designed as continuous, unbroken components without slots or cutting holes, while the spring provides the necessary retention force as a separate element.
2Reliability
If a locking claw with cutting hole is used to prevent coupling removal, then the coupling is retained, but the structural integrity and strength of the components decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The locking claw and cutting hole are completely removed from the design. The invention replaces the mechanical interlocking mechanism with a spring-based retention system that holds the coupling in the engaged position without requiring structural modifications to the coupling components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element that provides the retention force between the drive input gear part and the output side coupling. Instead of the components directly locking together through cutting holes and locking claws, the spring mediates the retention function, allowing both components to maintain their full structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the drive transmission mechanism is pushed back by spring biasing force during assembly, then the coupling can be engaged, but the drive input gear part may disengage from adjacent gears and assembly performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-loaded to provide a controlled biasing force that automatically positions the coupling in the correct engagement position with the drive input gear part. This preliminary spring force ensures proper alignment before the coupling is fully engaged, preventing disengagement from adjacent gears during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant and pre-load force are carefully selected to provide sufficient retention force for coupling engagement while limiting the maximum push-back force to a level that prevents disengagement of the drive input gear part from adjacent gears. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between engagement ease and assembly precision.
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 enhances the strength and assembly workability of the drive transmission mechanism by eliminating the need for a locking claw and slit, preventing disengagement and maintaining proper alignment with adjacent gears during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring (45) disposed between the drive input gear part (41) and the output side coupling (43), and configured to bias the output side coupling (43) in a direction approaching the drive input gear part (41)
Data Source
AI summary
A drive transmission mechanism includes a drive input gear part, an output side coupling and a coil spring. The drive input gear part includes a cylindrical boss formed on a rotational center. The drive input gear part is coupled to a drive input side gear. The output side coupling is rotated together with the drive input gear part around a same rotational axis as the drive input gear part to output a drive force of the drive input gear part to a driven member. The coil spring biases the output side coupling to a direction separated away from the drive input gear part along the rotational axis. The drive input gear part and the output side coupling are rotatable around a slide pin inserted into a slide hole formed in the boss as the rotational axis. The coil spring is held between the output side coupling and the slide pin.