Cable Management in Image Forming Apparatus Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with large operating panels face challenges in cable management during assembly, leading to excessive cable length and increased size of the operating portion due to the weight and size of the upsized panels, making it difficult for operators to connect cables efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an accommodating portion in the apparatus main assembly to manage excessive cable length, featuring a winding shaft and regulating portions to securely wind and bundle cables, preventing disconnection and entanglement, and allowing for easy assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide-sized liquid crystal display panel is mounted to increase usability, then the operating panel becomes larger and more functional, but the operating portion becomes heavier and harder to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection process is segmented into two stages: first connecting the cable to the operating portion while it is supported by the jig, then connecting the other end to the controller after the operating portion is mounted to the apparatus main assembly. This segmentation allows the heavy operating portion to be assembled without requiring the operator to hold it while connecting cables.
Solution Approach 2:
A jig is introduced as an intermediary support device during the assembly process. The jig temporarily holds the heavy operating portion in position, enabling the operator to connect the cable without manually supporting the panel. This intermediary tool resolves the contradiction between panel size and assembly ease.
2Ease of operation
If the cable is connected while the operating portion is temporarily mounted on a jig, then assembly becomes easier, but the cable length must be longer creating excessive cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The excessive length portion of the cable is extracted and separated from the functional connection portion. The cable is designed with sufficient length to accommodate the jig-supported assembly process, and the remaining excessive length is stored in a storage portion within the apparatus main assembly, separating the assembly facilitation function from the operational function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is preliminarily connected to the operating portion while it is supported by the jig before the operating portion is permanently mounted to the apparatus main assembly. This preliminary action allows easier connection but creates excessive cable length that must be managed afterward through the storage portion.
3Ease of operation
If a cable winding-up mechanism is provided inside the operating portion to manage excessive cable length, then cable management improves, but the operating portion becomes even larger
Solution Approach 1:
The cable winding-up mechanism is extracted from the operating portion and relocated to the apparatus main assembly. The storage portion is provided within the apparatus main assembly rather than inside the operating portion, separating the cable management function from the operating panel and preventing further upsizing of the operating portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a winding-up mechanism inside the operating portion, the patent uses a storage portion that simply accommodates the excessive cable length without active winding. This passive storage approach achieves cable management without the complexity and size of an active winding mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main assembly, a controller provided in the apparatus main assembly, an operating portion mounted to the apparatus main assembly, a cable configured to electrically connect the controller and the operating portion, the cable having a connectable length with the operating portion mounted at a predetermined position, and an accommodating portion provided in the apparatus main assembly and configured to accommodate an excessive length portion of the cable connected with the operating portion mounted to the apparatus main assembly, the accommodating portion including a space for accommodating the cable in a wound state.