Image Forming Casing Alignment for Smooth Material Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in adjusting the distance between casings in the vertical direction due to uneven installation surfaces, leading to conveyance issues such as jams and skew when casings are connected, especially in large apparatuses where the installation area is affected by slope.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a configuration with a fixing member to set a fixed distance at a first height position and an adjusting member to adjust the distance at a second height position, allowing for easy vertical alignment of casings using casters and adjusting members to maintain a predetermined distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance between two casings is adjusted by measuring on each of the upper side and lower side, then the vertical alignment precision is improved, but the adjustment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment functions for both upper and lower sides into a single adjusting member that can simultaneously adjust the distance between casings at multiple heights. This merging of adjustment operations into one unified mechanism reduces the time required while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting member is designed with multi-functionality to handle both upper and lower side adjustments through a single operational interface. This universal adjusting mechanism can accommodate vertical distance adjustments across different heights without requiring separate measurement and adjustment procedures for each side.
2Ease of operation
If a single adjusting member is used to adjust distance at multiple heights, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting member incorporates a dynamic structure that enables it to adapt its adjustment action to multiple heights. The mechanism can dynamically adjust the effective adjustment point along its length, allowing a single member to perform what would traditionally require multiple separate adjustment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the adjustment capability from a single-point adjustment to a multi-point adjustment by utilizing the vertical dimension. The adjusting member is designed with adjustable effective length or adjustable attachment points, allowing it to operate at different heights while maintaining a unified structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first casing, a second casing, a fixing member and an adjusting member. The second casing is connected to the first casing such that the first casing and the second casing are arranged along a first direction orthogonal to a vertical direction. The fixing member connects the first casing and the second casing at a first height position in the vertical direction. The adjusting member connects the first casing and the second casing at a second height position in the vertical direction different from the first height position such that a distance between the first casing and the second casing is adjustable. The first casing and the second casing are fixed to each other with the distance adjusted to a predetermined distance by at least the fixing member and the adjusting member.