Frontal Paper Discharge in Multifunction Printer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in balancing size reduction and usability, with in-body paper discharge types increasing height and affecting operability, while flatbed scanner configurations compromise maintainability and accessibility due to space constraints around the toner cartridge.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring a medium cassette with recording medium discharge from the back to the front, allowing the process unit to be removed from the front side, and incorporating an image reading unit positioned above the image forming unit, enabling reduced height and enhanced usability through efficient paper discharge and easy access to components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an in-body paper discharge mechanism is provided between the image forming part body and the flatbed scanner, then the paper discharge function is improved, but the height of the overall apparatus increases which decreases operability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the paper discharge function with the original cover of the flatbed scanner. The original cover serves dual purposes: it covers the scanner when not in use and acts as the paper discharge destination. This integration eliminates the need for a separate in-body discharge mechanism, thereby reducing apparatus height while maintaining paper discharge functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The original cover is given multiple functions: it serves as the cover for the flatbed scanner and simultaneously as the paper discharge tray. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to discharge paper without requiring additional space or increasing height, as the cover itself becomes the discharge destination.
2Length of stationary object
If the flatbed scanner is disposed directly above the toner cartridge to reduce height, then the height is reduced, but the space in front of the toner cartridge cannot be sufficiently secured, making cartridge removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is segmented into functionally independent modules: the image forming part body with toner cartridge, and the flatbed scanner with original cover. This segmentation allows the scanner to be positioned above the toner cartridge for height reduction, while the front cover provides separate access to the toner cartridge from the front, maintaining accessibility despite the compact vertical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover acts as an intermediary element that provides access to the toner cartridge from the front of the apparatus. This allows users to remove or replace toner cartridges without needing space in front of the cartridge itself, enabling compact scanner placement above the cartridge while maintaining ease of maintenance.
3Length of stationary object
If the recording medium is discharged onto the original cover, then the height of the apparatus is reduced, but the discharge mechanism must operate differently from conventional in-body discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge mechanism utilizes the original cover's own structure and movement to achieve paper discharge. When the original cover is opened, it naturally creates a discharge path for the paper. The conveyance mechanism simply needs to guide paper toward the cover opening, and the cover's movement itself facilitates the discharge action, reducing the need for complex additional discharge mechanisms.
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
The solution reduces the overall height of the apparatus, improves accessibility and maintainability by allowing front-side removal of the process unit and recording medium, and maintains efficient paper discharge performance, enhancing usability and operability.
Implementation Method 1
an exposing device positioned inside the body case, the exposing device including a light source, and which is able to perform and exposure of the image carrier
Implementation Method 2
a reading device that is provided under the original placing part to read the original
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunctional machine includes an image forming unit and an image reading unit. Of them, the image reading unit is held on a body case with a longitudinal direction of an original placing part on which an original is rested and placed being along a width direction of an apparatus and in a state in which the image reading unit is inclined downward to the back side from the front side of the apparatus. A front surface wall of the body case is an openable and closable front cover, and is structured so that a process unit housed inside can be removed from a front side of the apparatus by opening it. Recording paper on which an image is formed in the image forming unit is discharged onto the image reading unit.