Image Forming Casing Alignment Using Sliding Positioning Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face difficulties in aligning multiple casings at a predetermined relative position during assembly, requiring workers to manually adjust and lift heavy components, which can lead to misalignment and jamming issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with positioning projections and members that allow for easy alignment of casings by temporarily placing the apparatus body on the sheet feeding apparatus and sliding it into position, eliminating the need for continuous lifting and reducing manual alignment burdens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning hole and positioning pin are provided to align casings, then positioning is enabled, but manual alignment effort increases and misalignment risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is pre-formed on the positioning member before assembly, creating a predetermined alignment path. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustments during assembly, as the guide groove automatically guides the positioning pin into the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary element between the positioning pin and the final positioned state. It mediates the alignment process by providing a physical constraint that guides the pin along the correct trajectory, transforming a complex manual alignment task into a simple insertion motion.
2Ease of manufacture
If worker lifts apparatus body to attach to sheet feeding apparatus, then assembly is enabled, but worker effort increases and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is pre-formed on the positioning member before assembly, creating a predetermined alignment path. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for manual alignment adjustments during assembly, as the guide groove automatically guides the positioning pin into the correct position.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary element between the positioning pin and the final positioned state. It mediates the alignment process by providing a physical constraint that guides the pin along the correct trajectory, transforming a complex manual alignment task into a simple insertion motion.
3Manufacturing precision
If auxiliary positioning member is added to guide lower end frame, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent components: the guide groove on the positioning member and the positioning pin on the lower end frame. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in structure while collectively achieving precise positioning, avoiding the need for a complex integrated positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary element between the positioning pin and the final positioned state. It mediates the alignment process by providing a physical constraint that guides the pin along the correct trajectory, transforming a complex manual alignment task into a simple insertion motion.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
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 (50a, 50b) provided to the first casing, and a fitted portion (170a, 170b) provided to the second casing, the positioning projection (50a, 50b) fitting to the fitted portion (170a, 170b). The fitted portion (170a, 170b) is formed to allow relative sliding movement between the positioning projection (50a, 50b) and the second casing in a first direction intersecting the vertical direction and to limit a range of relative movement between the positioning projection (50a, 50b) 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.