Image Forming Unit Holder for Selective Removal and Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in easily removing the image bearer and transfer units for maintenance due to their integrated design, leading to inefficient and unnecessary removal of both units during maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a unit holder that allows the intermediate transfer unit and secondary transfer unit to be detachably attached and supported by the apparatus body, enabling separate and efficient removal of these units through a front and back plate system, facilitating maintenance by allowing selective detachment based on necessity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the image bearer unit and transfer unit are integrated into a single unit, then the structure is simplified, but maintenance efficiency deteriorates because both units must be removed together even when only one needs maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the integrated unit into two separable units: an image bearer unit and a transfer unit. Each unit can be independently removed from the apparatus body through the opening, allowing maintenance personnel to remove only the specific unit that requires maintenance rather than both units together, thus improving maintenance efficiency while maintaining structural simplicity
2Productivity
If the image bearer unit and transfer unit are designed as separate removable units, then maintenance efficiency improves, but device complexity increases due to additional positioning and attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function into simple positioning pins and positioning holes that are integrated into the unit holder and units. This extraction allows the units to be easily positioned and fixed without complex mechanisms, achieving independent removability while avoiding excessive complexity in the positioning system
3Area of stationary object
If multiple units are supported by a single unit holder, then space is utilized efficiently, but ease of operation deteriorates because units cannot be selectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration where the unit holder can selectively support different combinations of units. The positioning pins and holes allow units to be dynamically attached and detached in various configurations, enabling selective removal of individual units while maintaining efficient space utilization when units are installed together
Data Source
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AI summary
A unit accommodation apparatus (100) includes a first unit (30) and a second unit (40) that are to be installed into and removed from an apparatus body (100A) through an opening (100B) in an installation-removal direction. A unit holder (20) includes a first positioner (201) that is disposed opposite one lateral end of the first unit (30) and the second unit (40) and is detachably attached to the first unit (30) and the second unit (40). A second positioner (202) is disposed opposite another lateral end of the first unit (30) and the second unit (40) and holds the first unit (30) and the second unit (40). The first positioner (201) and the second positioner (202) secure a relative position of the first unit (30) relative to the second unit (40) in a direction parallel to a hypothetical orthogonal plane perpendicular to the installation-removal direction.