Image Forming Apparatus with Tilt-Compensated Print Head
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with maintaining a constant distance between the print head and the image carrier due to tilting of the print head, leading to out-of-focus images as the distance varies with the tilt adjuster's adjustment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a positioning mechanism that maintains a constant distance between the print head and the image carrier, regardless of the tilt of the print head around the swing axis, using a tilt adjuster and a swing supporter to stabilize the print head's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tilt adjuster is used to adjust the tilt of the print head around a swing axis, then skewing of the recording sheet can be corrected, but the distance between the print head and the image carrier varies causing image defocusing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a positioning mechanism that operates in a different dimensional space than the tilt adjustment. While the tilt adjuster rotates the print head around a swing axis (angular dimension), the positioning mechanism moves the print head along an arc-shaped path (linear dimension) to maintain constant distance from the image carrier, thus resolving the focus issue caused by tilt adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tilt adjuster and the print head. It receives the tilted print head from the tilt adjuster and compensates for the distance variation by positioning the print head along an arc, thereby mediating between the tilt correction function and the focus maintenance requirement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the print head is tilted to correct skewing, then sheet alignment is improved, but the focal distance becomes inconsistent leading to out-of-focus images
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism compensates for focal distance variations by introducing movement in another dimension - along an arc-shaped path. This arc-shaped positioning allows the print head to maintain a constant distance from the image carrier even when tilted, thus preserving both sheet alignment and focal distance consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the print head from a fixed linear position to a dynamic arc-shaped position. By varying the position along the arc according to the tilt angle, the system maintains constant focal distance while allowing tilt adjustment for skew correction.
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
Ensures a consistent focus by keeping the distance between the print head and image carrier constant, preventing image defocusing caused by tilting adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a lens array that focuses light emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements onto the image carrier
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus including an image carrier, a long print head including a board and a lens array, and a tilt adjuster that adjusts a tilt of the print head, further includes a positioning mechanism that positions the print head relative to the image carrier to maintain a constant distance d between the print head and the image carrier, regardless of the tilt of the print head about a swing axis β caused by the tilt adjuster.