Fixing Device Handle Inclined Surface for Compact Image Forming Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in improving the operability of installing and removing the fixing device, while also striving to downsize the apparatus.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates a fixing device with a handle that includes inclined surfaces, allowing for easy installation and removal. Additionally, a pivot boss with a tapered shape facilitates easy installation into the main housing, enabling downsizing of the apparatus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a guide groove with an inclined guide portion is used to facilitate installation of the fixing device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the volume of the main housing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidvolume of main housing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing an inclined guide portion in the guide groove of the main housing, the patent inverts the approach by providing an inclined surface on the guide rib of the fixing device itself. This allows the fixing device to be guided into the guide groove through its own inclined surface, eliminating the need for an inclined guide portion in the housing and thus reducing the housing volume while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the location of the inclined surface from the horizontal plane (in the guide groove of the housing) to the vertical plane (on the guide rib of the fixing device). This dimensional shift allows the guiding function to be achieved without increasing the horizontal dimensions of the main housing, effectively downsizing the apparatus while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the fixing device is made easily removable with a handle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removalVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the handle with the guide rib by making the guide rib an integral part of the handle structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate components and reduces structural complexity while maintaining the ease of removal function. The handle serves dual purposes: as a gripping element for removal and as a guiding element during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250164923A1Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a main housing and a fixing device. The fixing device is installable into the main housing in a first direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the fixing device. The fixing device includes a handle on one side in the first direction, and is configured to rotate relative to the main housing, as an end of the handle on the one side in the first direction is moved toward one side in a second direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the first direction. The handle has a first inclined surface at an end thereof on another side in the second direction. The inclined surface is inclined such that an edge thereof on the one side in the first direction is located further to the another side in the second direction than an edge thereof on another side in the first direction.