Document Feeding Apparatus Load Distribution via Support Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses require a rigid structure for the image reading apparatus due to the concentrated load applied when the document feeding apparatus is opened, which increases the structural complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a hinge mechanism where the document feeding apparatus is supported by the apparatus main body through a separate hinge base, allowing the load to be distributed to the main body rather than the image reading apparatus, enabling a simpler and lighter structure for the image reading apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the document feeding apparatus is fixed to the image reading apparatus, then the document feeding function is integrated, but the load is concentrated on the back portion of the image reading apparatus requiring a rigid structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support function into two parts: the hinge mechanism provides rotational support while the newly added support portion provides load-bearing support. This segmentation allows the image reading apparatus to maintain integration with the document feeding apparatus without bearing the full concentrated load, thus reducing structural complexity requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion acts as an intermediary element between the document feeding apparatus and the apparatus main body. It transfers the load from the document feeding apparatus directly to the apparatus main body, bypassing the image reading apparatus, thereby eliminating the need for a rigid structure in the image reading apparatus while maintaining functional integration.
2Strength
If a rigid structure is used for the image reading apparatus to support the load, then structural strength is sufficient, but the apparatus becomes heavier and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion serves as a mediator that redirects the load path away from the image reading apparatus. By providing this intermediate support structure connected to the apparatus main body, the patent achieves sufficient structural strength without requiring the image reading apparatus itself to be heavy or rigid, thus reducing its weight and cost.
3Weight of moving object
If the image reading apparatus structure is made lighter and thinner, then cost and weight are reduced, but the ability to support the document feeding apparatus load is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support functions between the hinge mechanism (providing rotational movement) and the support portion (providing load-bearing capacity). This allows the image reading apparatus to be made lighter and thinner while the support portion, connected to the apparatus main body, handles the load support requirement, thus resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and strength maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion acts as an intermediary load-bearing element that compensates for the reduced strength of the lighter image reading apparatus. It transfers the document feeding apparatus load to the apparatus main body, enabling the image reading apparatus to be optimized for weight and thickness without compromising overall load support capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including: an apparatus main body including an image forming portion configured to form an image on a sheet; an image reading apparatus provided on an upper portion of the apparatus main body; a document feeding apparatus located on the image reading apparatus and configured to feed a document to the image reading apparatus; and a support portion configured to support the document feeding apparatus on the apparatus main body without the image reading apparatus in a state in which the document feeding apparatus is openable and closable with respect to the image reading apparatus.