Paper Ejection Tray Radiation Opening Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with paper ejection trays above the image forming part face challenges in efficiently radiating heat generated by the image forming unit, as the radiation openings can be blocked by ejected paper, limiting the effectiveness of heat dissipation through natural convection.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a paper ejection tray with a supporting projection and depression structure, where the radiation openings are positioned below the supporting surface, allowing for unobstructed heat dissipation through natural convection, and can be retracted to prevent dust and dirt entry when not in use, with optional grid or slit configurations to comply with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the paper ejection tray is provided above the image forming part, then the space for installing the image forming apparatus is reduced, but the radiation openings can be blocked by ejected paper, limiting heat dissipation effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation opening is positioned in the vertical direction below the supporting part rather than horizontally adjacent to it. This dimensional repositioning ensures that the radiation opening is not blocked by ejected paper while still allowing effective heat dissipation through natural convection, thus resolving the contradiction between compact space occupation and reliable heat dissipation.
2Reliability
If the radiation opening is positioned to allow unobstructed heat dissipation, then heat radiation efficiency is improved, but dust and dirt may enter the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
A grid is introduced as an intermediary component within the radiation opening. The grid allows heat to pass through for efficient dissipation while physically blocking dust and dirt from entering the apparatus, thus resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation efficiency and protection against harmful contaminants.
3Reliability
If the radiation opening is made larger to improve heat dissipation, then heat radiation efficiency is improved, but safety standards may be violated
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure within the radiation opening functions as a porous medium that allows thermal energy to pass through while maintaining physical safety barriers. This enables the radiation opening to be sufficiently large for effective heat dissipation while complying with safety standards that limit the size of openings to prevent injury.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration ensures efficient heat radiation through natural convection while maintaining a compact design and preventing user access or foreign object entry, enhancing the apparatus's operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
heated air is discharged to the outside of the body of the image forming apparatus by means of natural convection
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming part configure to form an image on a sheet of paper; and a paper ejection tray, provided above an image forming part, including a supporting part configured to support the sheet of paper ejected after having the image formed thereonto by the image forming part, and a radiation opening configured to radiate therethrough heat from the image forming part to the outside air. The radiation opening is provided lower than the supporting part.