Spring Member Support Configuration for Roller Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotation member support configurations in image forming apparatuses, such as printers, face durability issues due to the twisting forces exerted on the spring hooks, which reduce the longevity of the spring members used to urge rotation members orthogonally to their rotational axis.
Innovation Solution
A rotation member support configuration that includes a bearing portion, a pressed member, a spring member with hook portions, and a connection portion formed by spirally winding element wires, where the spring member is attached by hooking the hook portions onto a support member, reducing the twisting force and enhancing durability by minimizing stress amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the spring member is arranged around the bearing with hooks protruding outward from the coil, then the space is saved and the cost is reduced, but the twisting force at the root portion of the hook lowers the durability of the spring
Solution Approach 1:
The spring member is divided into multiple coils (first coil portion and second coil portion) connected by a connection portion. This segmentation allows the spring to distribute stress more effectively and reduces the twisting force concentration at the hook root portions, thereby improving durability while maintaining the compact around-bearing arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constant of the spring member is optimized by adjusting the number of coils, coil diameter, and wire thickness. By changing these parameters, the spring provides sufficient urging force while reducing the twisting moment at the hook roots, resolving the contradiction between compact design and durability.
2Volume of moving object
If the coil is deformed into a curved shape to fit around the bearing, then the space is saved, but the force for returning to straight line creates twisting force at the hook root portion
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the spring into multiple coils connected by a connection portion creates flexible joints that can accommodate the curved deformation around the bearing while distributing the returning force more evenly, reducing the twisting stress at individual hook root portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is designed with a curved configuration that fits around the cylindrical bearing. The curvature is optimized so that the spring can exert urging force radially outward while the connection portions between coils accommodate the curved shape, minimizing twisting forces at the hooks.
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
The configuration improves the durability of the spring member by reducing the spring constant and twisting forces, leading to a longer lifespan and reduced stress variations, thus enhancing the reliability of the rotation member support system.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member configured to press the rotation member toward the pressed member
Implementation Method 2
a bearing portion configured to rotatably support the rotation member
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation member support configuration supports a roller and applies pressure in a direction orthogonal to the rotational axis line of the roller, using a spring attached around a bearing. The spring includes two coils differing from each other in twisting direction and connected at an angle formed with respect to a coil axis line direction.