Integrated Connecting Claw Structure for Printer Extension Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require complex connection structures and multiple members to integrate extension units, necessitating screwing and slide lock plates, which complicates assembly and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A connecting member with first and second connecting claws and an operation portion that switches between locked and unlocked states, allowing for a compact configuration by simplifying the connection between the image forming device body and extension unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a slide lock plate and multiple connecting components are used to connect the extension unit, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and number of members increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connecting components (connecting member, slide lock plate, and locking mechanism) into a single integrated connecting member. The connecting member includes a body portion, a claw portion for engagement, and an operation portion for actuation, all formed as one piece. This merging eliminates the need for separate slide lock plates and reduces the total number of members while maintaining connection strength through the integrated claw-locking structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection support, enables locking through the claw portion, and allows for easy operation through the operation portion. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving connection strength.
2Reliability
If a slide lock plate and complex connection structure are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting member incorporates a dynamic operation portion that can be easily actuated to switch between locked and unlocked states. The operation portion is designed to move the claw portion between engagement and disengagement positions, providing a simple and intuitive operating mechanism. This dynamic design maintains connection reliability through secure locking while significantly improving ease of operation compared to traditional slide lock mechanisms.
3Strength
If multiple connecting members and stay structures are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple previously separate components (connecting member, slide lock plate, and locking mechanism) into a single integrated connecting member. This reduction in part count directly lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce, inventory, and assemble multiple separate components. The integrated design maintains connection strength through its unified structural approach while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the traditional connection structure, specifically removing the slide lock plate and other redundant members. By taking out these extraneous components and retaining only the essential functional elements in an integrated form, the design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving the necessary connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, includes: a connecting member that connects, in an image forming device body and an extension unit allowed to be connected below the image forming device body, the image forming device body and the extension unit to each other, wherein the connecting member includes a first connecting claw that is locked to the image forming device body, and a second connecting claw that is locked to the extension unit, and includes an operation portion that switches between a locked state and an unlocked state of at least one of the first connecting claw and the second connecting claw, and the operation portion is operable in a direction in which the first connecting claw and the second connecting claw are connected to each other along the connecting member.