Widthwise Exhaust Fan Layout for Compact Printer Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses with cooling units, such as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-218333, are large and costly due to mechanisms for rotating the housing to switch the blower port direction.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a frame configuration including an intake unit, an exhaust unit, and a cooling object unit, where the intake unit draws air into the frame, the exhaust unit discharges air outside, and the cooling object unit is positioned in the airflow path, without requiring a mechanism to rotate the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating housing mechanism is used to switch the blower port direction, then the cooling unit can direct air flow to different locations (reverse conveyance path or fixing unit), but the device becomes larger and more costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling function into multiple independent blowers instead of using a single rotatable housing. Each blower is fixed and dedicated to cooling specific components (fixing unit blower for the fixing unit, reverse conveyance blower for the reverse conveyance path). This segmentation eliminates the need for rotation mechanisms while maintaining the ability to cool different locations independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the housing rotatable to change blower port direction, the patent inverts the approach by making multiple fixed blowers point in different directions from the beginning. This inversion of the problem-solving approach eliminates the rotating mechanism entirely while achieving the same functional outcome of directing air flow to different locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating housing mechanism is used to switch the blower port, then the cooling unit can adapt to different cooling needs, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling system into multiple independent, fixed blowers, each manufactured as a simple, standardized component. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing compared to a complex rotating housing mechanism, as each blower can be produced independently using conventional assembly processes without requiring precision rotation mechanisms or additional actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using multiple fixed blowers instead of a single rotatable blower. This inversion simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for rotation mechanisms, reducing the number of precision parts, and allowing for more straightforward assembly processes while achieving the same cooling adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the blower port is fixed in one direction, then the device structure is simpler, but the cooling unit cannot efficiently cool both the fixing unit and the reverse conveyance path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cooling function into multiple independent blowers, each positioned and oriented to cool specific areas. The fixing unit blower is positioned to direct air flow to the fixing unit, while the reverse conveyance blower is positioned to direct air flow to the reverse conveyance path. This segmentation allows each blower to have a fixed, simple structure while collectively providing comprehensive cooling coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point cooling approach (one blower port) to a multi-point spatial distribution approach by positioning multiple blowers at different locations and orientations. This dimensional expansion of the cooling system allows fixed, simple blowers to collectively cover multiple cooling zones that would otherwise require a complex rotatable mechanism.
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 reduces the size and cost of the cooling system while effectively cooling the apparatus and preventing sheet adhesion, ensuring stable operation and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust fan disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate and configured to discharge air outside of the frame
Implementation Method 2
a cooling object unit disposed on a path of the air which is drawn into the interior of the frame by the intake unit and moves toward the exhaust unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus forming an image on a sheet conveyed in a sheet conveyance direction includes a frame including a first side plate and a second side plate disposed in parallel in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction, an intake unit disposed on an outer side of the frame in the width direction and configured to draw air into an interior of the frame, an exhaust unit disposed between the first side plate and the second side plate and configured to discharge air outside of the frame, and a cooling object unit disposed on a path of the air which is drawn into the interior of the frame by the intake unit and moves toward the exhaust unit.