Cover Assembly Positioning for Thermal Deformation in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with deformation of covers due to heat, leading to non-uniform gaps and increased size and cost when trying to maintain exterior rigidity to withstand such deformations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a fixed cover and an opening and closing cover with engagement portions and conveyance guides that align vertically, allowing for precise positioning and guiding of sheets, while a biasing mechanism and lock portion ensure proper alignment and closure, reducing the need for excessive rigidity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the exterior rigidity is increased to withstand deformation of the fixing unit due to heat, then the deformation resistance is improved, but the size and cost of the main body are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior is divided into a fixed cover and a movable cover that can be opened and closed. The movable cover is segmented from the main body, allowing it to be positioned independently near the fixing unit without requiring the entire main body to have excessive rigidity. This segmentation enables localized adaptation to thermal deformation while maintaining overall compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cover is designed to be dynamically positionable relative to the fixing unit, allowing it to adapt to thermal deformation through controlled movement rather than requiring rigid structural support. The cover can be opened, closed, and repositioned as needed, providing flexibility to accommodate dimensional changes caused by heat without increasing main body size.
2Strength
If the exterior rigidity is increased to withstand deformation of the fixing unit due to heat, then the deformation resistance is improved, but the manufacturing cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the exterior into fixed and movable covers, the patent avoids the need to manufacture an entire rigid main body structure. The movable cover can be a simpler, lighter component that doesn't require the same level of structural reinforcement, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while still providing adequate deformation resistance through its positionable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the cover system from static and rigid to dynamic and flexible. The movable cover can be positioned at different locations and opened/closed as needed, allowing the system to adapt to thermal conditions without requiring permanent structural reinforcement, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Device complexity
If positioning is performed only in the rotation direction, then the positioning simplicity is improved, but the gap uniformity at the boundary portion deteriorates when deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds positional degrees of freedom beyond simple rotation by allowing the movable cover to be positioned at multiple locations along the main body and to open/close in addition to rotating. This multi-dimensional positioning capability ensures that the boundary portion between covers maintains uniform gaps even when thermal deformation occurs, as the covers can be repositioned to compensate for dimensional changes.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an image forming unit, an opening and closing cover, a fixed cover that constitutes a part of an exterior of the apparatus body with the opening and closing cover, and is configured to form a boundary portion with an upper edge of the opening and closing cover in a vertical direction, a positioning portion including a first engagement portion provided in the opening and closing cover, and a second engagement portion provided in the fixed cover, a first conveyance guide provided on the opening and closing cover, and a second conveyance guide provided on the fixed cover. The first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are configured to engage with each other to perform positioning of the opening and closing cover and the fixed cover in the vertical direction and positioning of the first conveyance guide and the second conveyance guide.