Tilted Intermediate Member Drive Transmission for Misalignment Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drive transmission devices in image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing size due to insufficient space, and axial and angular misalignments lead to reaction forces and uneven image density, affecting the performance and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact drive transmission device design with an intermediate member that is axially tilted and supported by a screw output joint, featuring a retaining portion and relay portion to absorb misalignments and prevent reaction forces, allowing for efficient force transmission while maintaining a reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retaining portion is disposed projecting closer to the center of rotation than the relay drive transmitting portion, then the intermediate member can be retained effectively, but the diameter of the intermediate member cannot be reduced sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion is repositioned axially rather than radially. By moving the retaining portion to project beyond the relay drive transmitting portion in the axial direction, the design utilizes the axial dimension to achieve retention functionality without compromising the radial diameter reduction of the intermediate member.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member employs asymmetric positioning of functional portions along its axial length. The retaining portion is strategically placed at one axial end while the relay drive transmitting portion is positioned at the other end, creating an asymmetric layout that optimizes both retention and size reduction objectives.
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the drive transmission device is reduced to address space constraints, then space efficiency improves, but it becomes difficult to ensure sufficient space around the device
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate member is designed with tilt capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation. This dynamic positioning enables the member to accommodate axial and angular misalignments between the output shaft and input shaft, maintaining functional space requirements while minimizing the overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the operational parameters by allowing the intermediate member to tilt within a specific angular range. This parameter adjustment enables the system to function with reduced space requirements while maintaining sufficient clearance through controlled angular positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If axial and angular misalignments occur between output shaft and input shaft, then the tilt of the intermediate member can absorb the misalignment, but reaction forces may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining portion is designed to engage with the drive transmitting portion before excessive misalignment occurs. This pre-engagement mechanism cushions against potential reaction forces by maintaining controlled contact, preventing the intermediate member from tilting beyond its designed angular range where harmful reaction forces would generate.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive transmission device, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes an output body, an input body, and an intermediate body. The output body has a drive output portion. The input body has a drive input portion. The intermediate body is supported by a support side body that is one of the output body and the input body. The intermediate body includes a relay portion to receive a driving force applied by the drive output portion and to transmit the driving force to the drive input portion, and a retaining portion to prevent the intermediate body from falling from the support side body. A distance from a center of rotation of the intermediate body to a leading end of the retaining portion is greater than or equal to a distance from the center of rotation of the intermediate body to a leading end of the relay portion.