Movable Cover Liquid Receiver for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing liquid ingress, which can lead to operational issues and reduced convenience due to inadequate liquid management systems.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable cover with a liquid receiver adjacent to the inner wall surface and a drainage port with a slit, featuring a liquid guidance part that directs any entering liquid to the drainage port, enhancing the apparatus's ability to manage and prevent liquid from reaching critical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable cover is provided to enable opening and closing of the housing, then ease of operation is improved, but liquid may enter the housing through gaps, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid receiver is introduced as an intermediary component between the movable cover and the image forming device. The liquid receiver captures liquid that enters through the cover gap and redirects it to a drainage port, preventing direct contact with the image forming device while maintaining the movability of the cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid receiver is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the housing. This allows the liquid receiver to be removed for cleaning or replacement without disassembling the entire housing, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable liquid protection.
2Reliability
If a liquid receiver is installed inside the housing to prevent liquid damage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid receiver is merged with the movable cover structure, allowing the liquid receiver to be integrated into the existing cover assembly. This reduces overall structural complexity compared to installing a separate liquid receiver system within the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid receiver automatically redirects liquid to the drainage port through gravity and structural design, without requiring external power sources or complex control mechanisms. The system serves itself by utilizing the natural flow of liquid.
3Ease of manufacture
If the liquid receiver is positioned away from the inner wall surface, then ease of manufacture is improved, but liquid guidance effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid receiver is designed to change its position relative to the inner wall surface based on the state of the movable cover. When the cover is closed, the liquid receiver is positioned adjacent to the inner wall surface for effective liquid guidance. When the cover is opened, the liquid receiver moves away, facilitating easy manufacturing and assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of one or more embodiments may include: an image forming part that forms an image; a housing that houses the image forming part and includes an inner wall surface; and a cover attached to the housing so as to be movable between a position close to the housing and a position away from the housing. The cover includes a liquid receiver that receives a liquid getting into the housing, and the liquid receiver is adjacent to the inner wall surface in the state where the cover is close to the housing.