Cantilever Column Support for Image Reading Unit Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses have complex and costly support structures for image reading units due to the need for separate loading members and joint members, which increases the overall complexity and cost of the system.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a cantilever-style column support portion that receives the image reading unit at both its upper and side surfaces, eliminating the need for additional loading members and simplifying the support structure by distributing the load across these surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support body with separate loading members and joint members is used to support the image reading unit, then the image reading unit can be supported stably, but the structure becomes complicated and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the loading members and joint members into an integrated column support portion. The column support portion directly supports the image reading unit without requiring separate loading members and joint members, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining the support function. This is achieved by forming the column support portion as a single structural element that combines the functions of both loading and jointing.
Solution Approach 2:
The column support portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the loading member (supporting the image reading unit) and the joint member (connecting to the paper feeding unit). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a support body with separate loading members and joint members is used, then the image reading unit can be supported, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the loading members and joint members into a single column support portion, the number of parts to be manufactured and assembled is reduced. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material costs, and lowers assembly costs, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the required support capability.
3Area of stationary object
If the image reading unit is positioned close to the image forming unit, then space is utilized efficiently, but paper discharge becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the image reading unit above the image forming unit in a vertical arrangement, utilizing the vertical dimension for space efficiency. Meanwhile, the column support portion is designed to allow paper to be discharged horizontally from the image forming unit without interference from the image reading unit, effectively separating the operational spaces in different dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus including an image reading unit, an image forming unit, and a column support portion supports the image reading unit in a cantilever manner so that a space is provided between the image reading unit and an upper surface of the image forming unit, and receives the image reading unit at an upper surface and a side surface thereof. Further, the image reading unit may be provided with a downwardly extending portion extending downward from a lower surface thereof, and the column support portion may receive the lower surface of the image reading unit at the upper surface thereof, and receive the downwardly extending portion of the image reading unit at the side surface thereof.