Box-Shaped Frame Insertion Connection for Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with box-shaped frames face issues of loosening due to vibrations or accidental falls, and welding requires additional equipment, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A frame fastening connection is implemented using bent portions of the frames where one surface has an insertion portion that fits into a corresponding receiving portion, providing increased strength and reducing deformation, with optional screw fastening for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If frames are fastened with screws, then the connection can be assembled, but loosening occurs due to vibrations or accidental falls
Solution Approach 1:
The frame connection is divided into two functional parts: an insertion portion that provides initial assembly and a receiving portion with a locking structure that prevents loosening. The locking structure segments the connection into an insertion phase and a locked phase, ensuring both ease of assembly and vibration resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion acts as an intermediary element between two frames. It is inserted into the receiving portion to establish the connection, and the locking structure within the receiving portion engages with the insertion portion to prevent loosening during vibrations.
2Strength
If frames are connected by welding, then connection strength is improved, but additional welding equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process (thermal/chemical system) is replaced with a mechanical insertion and locking system. The insertion portion is mechanically inserted into the receiving portion, and the locking structure provides mechanical engagement that achieves strong connection without requiring welding equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion can be designed as a simpler, potentially disposable or replaceable component compared to welding. This allows for easier manufacturing and assembly without the need for expensive and complex welding equipment, while still achieving sufficient connection strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If a box-shaped frame is formed with overlapping sheet metal pieces, then the frame structure is created, but loosening of fastening connection occurs due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving portion is pre-formed with a locking structure before the actual assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when the insertion portion is inserted, the locking structure is already in position to prevent loosening, providing stable connection from the outset against vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion portion and receiving portion have asymmetric geometries that enable one-way insertion with locking. The insertion portion has a shape that fits into the receiving portion's locking structure, allowing easy insertion but preventing removal or loosening under vibrational loads.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing having a plurality of frames. At least one of the plurality of frames is a box-shaped frame with bent portions. The box-shaped frame has a first surface and a second surface overlapping the first surface, where the first surface has an insertion portion and the second surface has a receiving portion into which the insertion portion is configured to be inserted. The first surface and the second surface are connected to each other by insertion of the insertion portion in the receiving portion.