Cable Groove and Projections for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming apparatuses, cables connected to connectors on the rear or side surfaces often hang downward, causing them to be caught by exterior covers, which can hinder operation and potentially damage the cables or covers.
Innovation Solution
An upper exterior member with a groove portion and projections is used to guide and secure cables, preventing them from being caught by the exterior cover while allowing for easy insertion and removal without projecting outward, thus preventing damage and operational obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the connector is disposed on the rear or side surface of the main body, then the cable can be connected to the apparatus, but the cable hangs downward and is caught by the exterior cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an upper exterior member as an intermediary structure between the connector and the exterior cover. This member includes a groove portion that receives and guides the cable, and projections that prevent the cable from hanging downward and being caught by the exterior cover. The intermediary structure mediates the spatial relationship between the connector and the exterior cover, eliminating the harmful interaction while maintaining cable connection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by extending the groove portion in a specific direction (from front surface toward the rear surface, and/or from one side surface toward the other side surface). This dimensional reorganization redirects the cable path away from the problematic downward hanging trajectory, preventing the cable from being caught by the exterior cover while maintaining connection functionality.
2Reliability
If the cable is guided along the exterior cover, then the cable is protected from damage, but the exterior cover structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the exterior structure by introducing a separate upper exterior member that contains the groove portion and projections. Instead of making the exterior cover itself complex, the cable guidance function is separated into a dedicated component. This segmentation allows the exterior cover to remain simple while the upper exterior member provides the necessary cable protection through its groove and projection features.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper exterior member serves multiple functions: it forms part of the exterior of the main body, provides cable guidance through the groove portion, and prevents cable drooping through the projections. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent achieves cable protection without significantly increasing overall structural complexity, as the multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If the groove portion extends from the front surface to the rear surface, then the cable is securely guided, but the upper exterior member becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent allows flexibility in the extent of groove portion extension. The groove portion may extend partially (from front surface toward rear surface, or from side surface toward the other side surface) rather than necessarily extending fully across the entire upper exterior member. This partial extension provides sufficient cable guidance and protection for the intended application while minimizing the area occupied by the upper exterior member, avoiding excessive size increase.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an exterior cover, a connector, and an upper exterior member disposed above the exterior cover. The upper exterior member includes a groove portion and projections. In the upper exterior member, the groove portion is formed so as to extend from a first end closer to the connector to a second end closer to one of left and right side ends of the exterior cover. The projections are formed so as to project upward from a lower edge portion of an opening of the groove portion. A cable connected to the connector is inserted in the groove portion. The projections prevent the cable from being dropped from the groove portion.