Foldable Stand for Image Forming Apparatus Reducing Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as printers and scanners, occupy a large area when in use due to unimpeded paper inlets and outlets, and lack a foldable structure to reduce space when not in use.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a foldable stand with a main body, base, holder, and connecting rod, allowing the paper inlet and outlet to align vertically when unused, reducing the occupied area, and rotating to align inclined when in use, unimpeding the paper outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image forming apparatus is designed with unimpeded paper inlet and outlet, then the paper flow is smooth, but the occupying area on the table is large
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is designed as a foldable structure that can dynamically change between extended and folded states. When extended, it provides unimpeded paper flow paths; when folded, it reduces the occupying area to a minimum, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different spatial requirements based on operational needs
2Ease of operation
If the apparatus has a fixed stand structure, then the paper outlet is unimpeded during operation, but the occupying area cannot be reduced when unused
Solution Approach 1:
The stand incorporates movable components including a foldable base and an adjustable holder that can rotate between extended and folded positions. This dynamic structure allows the apparatus to maintain unimpeded paper flow during operation while minimizing the occupying area when stored or not in use
3Area of stationary object
If the stand is folded to reduce occupying area, then the space efficiency is improved, but the paper outlet becomes impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed to rotate between folded and extended states, working in coordination with the foldable base. When the base is folded to reduce occupying area, the holder can be positioned to avoid impeding the paper outlet. When the base is extended for unimpeded paper flow, the holder extends accordingly to maintain proper paper path alignment
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 reduces the occupied area significantly when the apparatus is not in use while ensuring unobstructed operation when in use, enhancing space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vertical board being connected to the bottom board and being pivoted on the main body, and a first hinge being located at the bottom board
Implementation Method 2
at least one support arm being connected to the beam and having a tip portion being pivoted on the main body, and a second hinge being located at the beam
Implementation Method 3
The connecting rod has opposite end portions being pivoted on the first hinge and the second hinge respectively
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a base, a holder and a connecting rod. The main body has a bottom surface, a top surface, a lower surface, a paper outlet and a paper inlet. The base has a bottom board being adjacent to the paper outlet, at least one vertical board being connected to the bottom board and being pivoted on the main body, and a first hinge being located at the bottom board. The holder has a beam, at least one support arm being connected to the beam, and a second hinge being located at the beam. The tip portion is higher than the vertical board. The connecting rod has opposite end portions being pivoted on the first hinge and the second hinge respectively. As described above, the occupying area is further reduced in an unused status.