Grooved Square-Pipe Structures for Precise Component Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional structures with joined square pipes face challenges in attaching additional members with high positional accuracy due to insufficient shape accuracy of the outer surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The structure incorporates square pipes with grooved and ridged outer surfaces, allowing additional members to be fixed with high precision using contact planes aligned with ridge line portions, either through welding or screws, ensuring accurate attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional square pipes with smooth outer surfaces are used, then manufacturing is simple, but attaching additional members with high positional accuracy is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding groove portions and ridge line portions only at specific locations on the outer surfaces of the square pipes where additional members need to be attached. The majority of the outer surface remains smooth and simple. This localized structural modification provides high positional accuracy for attachment without significantly increasing the overall complexity of the square pipe structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional members are attached to conventional square pipes, then assembly is possible, but positional accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions and ridge line portions serve as intermediary structures that facilitate the attachment of additional members. These intermediary features provide precise positioning references and mechanical engagement points, making it easier to attach additional members with high positional accuracy compared to attaching them directly to smooth conventional square pipes.
3Manufacturing precision
If groove portions and ridge line portions are added to square pipes, then attachment precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove portions and ridge line portions are implemented only at specific locations on the outer surfaces where additional members require attachment. This localized approach improves attachment precision while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity, as the majority of the square pipe structure remains unchanged and simple.
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
Enables precise mounting of components on the square pipes, enhancing structural integrity and facilitating efficient assembly of image forming apparatus components.
Implementation Method 1
three first corner portions formed by bending a single metal plate
Implementation Method 2
one second corner including two edge portions of the metal plate and a welded portion where the two edge portions are joined
Data Source
AI summary
Each of four outer side surfaces of each of a plurality of square pipes include a groove portion formed along a longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of square pipes and a pair of ridge line portions forming edge portions on both sides of the groove portion. An additional member includes a contact plane which is a plane in contact with a portion of the plurality of square pipes. The additional member is fixed to a plurality of first target pipes which are some of the plurality of square pipes with the contact plane in contact with at least one of the pair of ridge line portions, or the additional member is fixed to a second target pipe which is one of the plurality of square pipes with the contact plane in contact with the pair of ridge line portions.