Circuit Board Support Link Structure for Handle Load Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face the challenge of external forces exerted on circuit boards when the handle portion is fixed to a pillar portion near the circuit board, potentially damaging the electric elements due to deformation and lack of flexibility in layout.
Innovation Solution
A linking member is introduced, formed of a bent plate member, linking the pillar portion to the board supporting member, which disperses and absorbs the external forces exerted by the handle portion, preventing them from reaching the circuit board.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the handle portion is fixed to the pillar portion near the circuit board, then the apparatus structure is simplified and space is saved, but external forces are exerted on the circuit board causing deformation and potential damage to electric elements
Solution Approach 1:
A linking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the pillar portion and the board supporting member. This linking member absorbs and disperses the external forces generated during handle operation, preventing direct transmission of forces to the circuit board while maintaining the simplified structure where the circuit board is positioned near the pillar portion.
2Volume of moving object
If the circuit board is disposed in the vicinity of the pillar portion, then the flexibility in layout increases and the apparatus can be made compact, but the circuit board is vulnerable to external forces from handle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The linking member serves as a protective intermediary that allows the circuit board to be positioned close to the pillar portion for compact design while filtering out harmful external forces during handle operation, thus maintaining both compactness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking member is designed beforehand to cushion and absorb the external forces that will be exerted during handle operation. By positioning the linking member between the pillar and board supporting member, it pre-empts the force transmission to the circuit board, protecting it before damage can occur.
3Ease of operation
If the handle portion is fixed to the pillar portion, then the lifting function is achieved, but the force for lifting causes deformation of members and potential damage to the circuit board
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is segmented by introducing the linking member as a separate component between the pillar portion and the board supporting member. This segmentation allows the lifting force to be managed and distributed through the linking member's structure, preventing direct deformation of the circuit board and its supporting members.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking member acts as an intermediary that manages the lifting forces generated during handle operation. It absorbs and distributes these forces through its connection to both the pillar portion and the board supporting member, preventing excessive deformation while maintaining the lifting function.
Data Source
AI summary
The image forming apparatus includes a casing including a pillar portion extending in a vertical direction, a circuit board, a board supporting member configured to support the circuit board, a base fixed to the pillar portion, a handle portion supported by the base, and, a linking member formed of a bent plate member and configured to link the pillar portion and the board supporting member. The linking member includes a first fixed-plate portion fixed to the pillar portion, a second fixed-plate portion to which the board supporting member is fixed, a first bent portion formed at an edge portion of the first fixed-plate portion, a second bent portion formed at an edge portion of the second fixed-plate portion, and at least one intermediate plate portion configured to connect the first bent portion and the second bent portion continuously.