Image Forming Frame Stay Positioning for Levelness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional frames for image forming apparatuses with multiple stays for the bottom plate suffer from positional accuracy issues due to mounting tolerances, leading to potential leaning of the apparatus even on flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure with a first and second stay secured to a post, featuring a positioning portion to align them horizontally, and fixed by welding, which enhances the mounting accuracy of the stays forming the bottom.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the bottom of the frame is constituted by a plurality of stays, then the cost is reduced compared to using a single bottom plate, but the positional accuracy of supporting portions deteriorates due to mounting tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stays into a single integrated stay structure that forms the bottom of the frame. This single stay includes multiple supporting portions at predetermined positions, eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate stays. By combining the functions of multiple stays into one, the patent reduces mounting tolerances and improves positional accuracy while maintaining cost benefits.
2Device complexity
If multiple separate stays are used to form the bottom, then the structure becomes more flexible and easier to assemble, but the positional relationship among supporting portions varies due to cumulative tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate stays into a single integrated stay that includes all supporting portions. This integration ensures that the positional relationships among supporting portions are precisely controlled during manufacturing, eliminating cumulative tolerances that would occur with separate stays. The single stay structure maintains assembly simplicity while dramatically improving positional accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bottom is formed by multiple stays with supporting portions at separate positions, then the frame structure becomes more modular, but the image forming apparatus may lean when installed even on flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple supporting portions into a single stay structure, ensuring that all supporting portions are precisely positioned relative to each other. This integration guarantees that when the frame is installed on a flat surface, all supporting portions contact the surface simultaneously, preventing the apparatus from leaning. The modular design is maintained through the overall frame structure while the critical bottom support is unified.
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 effectively suppresses variations in the positional relationship among supporting portions, ensuring the image forming apparatus remains stable and level, even when installed on uneven surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the first stay and the second stay are fixed to the post by welding
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for forming an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a first stay, including a supporting portion for supporting the frame relative to an installation surface, for forming a bottom of the frame; a second stay, including a supporting portion for supporting the frame relative to the installation surface, for forming the bottom of the frame; a post to which the first stay and the second stay are secured; and a positioning portion, provided as a part of the post, for positioning the first stay and the second stay with respect to a horizontal plane direction. The first stay and the second stay are fixed to the post by welding.