External Driver Mounting for Compact Image-Forming Housings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatus designs face challenges in efficiently arranging components due to limited space, leading to increased size and restricted component arrangement, particularly when the driver is positioned directly on the rear plate, which occupies valuable space and restricts the placement of other mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is redesigned with a rear plate shifted inward, allowing the driver to be coupled to a bracket supported by the rear plate, creating larger component arrangement spaces and enabling the placement of additional units by utilizing the space behind the driver and within the bracket, which is fixed using support shafts for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the driver is positioned directly on the rear plate, then the driving force transmission is direct and simple, but the component arrangement space is reduced and the overall apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The driver mounting structure is segmented into a bracket and support shafts, separating the driver from direct mounting on the rear plate. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones: the bracket provides mounting functionality while the support shafts provide positioning, thereby freeing up space within the housing for other components.
Solution Approach 2:
A bracket acts as an intermediary element between the driver and the rear plate. The bracket is fixed to the rear plate via support shafts, creating a intermediate mounting structure that allows the driver to be positioned without directly occupying the space behind it, thus serving as a mediator that resolves the space conflict.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rear plate is shifted inward to create space, then the component arrangement flexibility is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support shafts distributed at different positions on the rear plate. This segmentation provides multiple attachment points that maintain structural stability even when the rear plate is shifted inward, as the distributed support shafts create a stable triangular or polygonal support base.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shafts are positioned at specific locations on the rear plate where structural strength is concentrated. By localizing the support function to these specific positions rather than requiring uniform distribution, the design maintains stability while allowing inward shifting of the rear plate for component arrangement flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a driven unit, and a driver. The housing includes a pair of plates facing each other. The pair of plates includes a front plate and a rear plate facing the front plate and having an opening. The driven unit is supported by the pair of plates and has one end projecting outside the housing from the opening of the rear plate. The driver is disposed outside the housing and coupled to said one end of the driven unit to drive the driven unit. The driver includes a body separated from an outer face of the rear plate.