Image Forming Casing Alignment Using Sliding Positioning Fits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in aligning stacked casings accurately during assembly, requiring workers to lift and manually adjust the relative positions of the casings, which is cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates positioning projections and fitted portions that allow for relative sliding movement in one direction while limiting movement in another, enabling easy alignment of casings by temporarily placing the apparatus body on the sheet feeding apparatus and sliding it into position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning hole and positioning pin are provided to the casings, then the casings can be positioned at a predetermined relative position, but it is difficult to align the casings accurately during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fitted portion is designed to allow relative sliding movement between the positioning projection and the second casing in a first direction, transforming the static positioning process into a dynamic one that guides automatic alignment during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The fitted portion acts as an intermediary mechanism between the positioning projection and the second casing, mediating the alignment process by providing a sliding path that guides the positioning projection into correct position
2Manufacturing precision
If the worker manually aligns the casings while lowering the apparatus body, then the positioning can be achieved, but the work is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fitted portion is pre-configured with a sliding path that automatically guides the positioning projection into the correct position, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning mechanism is designed to self-align through the sliding movement enabled by the fitted portion, allowing the system to correct its own positioning without external intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If the positioning projection is rigidly fixed to the first casing, then the positioning is precise, but the alignment process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is segmented into a fixed positioning projection and a movable fitted portion that allows sliding, separating the functions of precision and ease of alignment
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording material includes a first casing, a second casing connected to the first casing in a vertical direction, a positioning projection provided to the first casing, and a fitted portion provided to the second casing, the positioning projection fitting to the fitted portion. The fitted portion is formed to allow relative sliding movement between the positioning projection and the second casing in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and to limit a range of relative movement between the positioning projection and the second casing in a second direction intersecting the vertical direction and the first direction when the first casing and the second casing being connected to each other.