Fixing Device Frame Structure for Correct Mounting Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing devices for image forming apparatuses face issues with incorrect mounting due to differing power supply voltage specifications, leading to potential accidents or malfunctions, and require complex configurations to ensure compatibility, which increases weight, size, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a housing frame that includes a support plate and side plates, featuring an extension with an engaged portion to engage with the image forming apparatus, eliminating the need for bulky frame members and incorporating a push switch for electrical detection to ensure correct mounting, thereby preventing erroneous installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complicated configuration with mechanical compatibility components is used to prevent erroneous mounting, then compatibility identification is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the compatibility identification function from a complex mechanical configuration and implements it through a simplified structure. The housing frame includes specific structural features (engagement protrusions and corresponding recesses) that inherently prevent erroneous mounting without requiring additional complex mechanical components or configurations.
2Strength
If plate-shaped members surround components from all sides, then structural integrity is maintained, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing frame is segmented into essential structural components rather than using a complete surrounding frame. The support plate and side plates are strategically positioned to provide necessary structural integrity while leaving certain areas open, thereby reducing weight and size without compromising strength.
3Weight of moving object
If the housing frame is omitted partially to reduce weight and size, then device compactness improves, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing frame structure applies local quality by concentrating structural reinforcement only where necessary. The support plate and side plates are positioned to provide structural integrity at critical locations while omitting unnecessary portions, achieving a balance between weight reduction and maintaining required strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device detachably attachable to an image forming apparatus includes a housing frame having an open front side in an insertion direction in which the fixing device is inserted into the image forming apparatus. The housing frame includes a support plate, as a back side of the housing frame in the insertion direction, and a pair of side plates extending in the insertion direction. The support plate includes an extension extending beyond one of the pair of side plates. The extension includes an engaged portion to be engaged with an engaging portion of the image forming apparatus when the fixing device is mounted on the image forming apparatus.