Cover Position Adjustment for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face interference issues between the withdrawable part and the cover below, leading to potential breakage and a compromised exterior appearance due to the weight of the withdrawable part causing it to bend and interfere with the cover.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring a rotary shaft that supports a rotatable cover and a position adjusting mechanism, allowing the cover to move closer to the withdrawable part when closed and further away when open, thereby preventing interference and maintaining a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clearance is formed between the withdrawable part and the cover to prevent interference, then the breakage is prevented, but a gap is formed between the withdrawable part and the cover, spoiling the exterior appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to dynamically adjust its position relative to the withdrawable part. When the withdrawable part is in the horizontal direction (prone to bending), the cover moves to a first position that maintains clearance and prevents interference. When the withdrawable part is in the vertical direction (less prone to bending), the cover moves to a second position that closes the gap and improves exterior appearance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between preventing breakage and maintaining appearance.
2Shape
If the cover is positioned close to the withdrawable part to ensure exterior appearance, then the gap is reduced, but the withdrawable part interferes with the cover when bent due to weight, causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The position adjusting mechanism performs preliminary action by proactively adjusting the cover position based on the state of the withdrawable part. Before interference can occur, the mechanism detects when the withdrawable part is in the horizontal direction and automatically positions the cover to maintain clearance. This preliminary adjustment prevents the harmful effect of interference while maintaining good exterior appearance when conditions permit.
3Reliability
If the withdrawable part is supported to prevent bending, then the interference with the cover is reduced, but the support structure increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The position adjusting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the withdrawable part and the cover. Rather than directly supporting the withdrawable part to prevent bending, the mechanism mediates the interaction by dynamically adjusting the cover position. This indirect approach prevents interference through intelligent positioning rather than rigid structural support, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an outer case which includes a first opening portion and a second opening portion provided just below the first opening portion, a withdrawable part which is received in the inside of the first opening portion so as to be withdrawn from the first opening portion in a horizontal direction, a cover which closes the second opening portion, a rotary shaft supports the cover so as to be rotatable from a first position where the cover closes the outer case to a second position where the cover opens the outer case, and a position adjusting mechanism which moves up the cover so as to be close to the withdrawable part at the first position and moves down the cover so as to be away from the withdrawable part at the second position.