Guide Rail Deformation Control in Image-Reading Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Internal-output type image-forming apparatuses, such as facsimiles and copiers, face challenges in reducing the thickness of the image-reading section due to rotation moment-induced load, leading to potential deformation and adverse effects on image-reading performance, while existing solutions either fail to completely prevent deformation or increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An image-reading device with a guide rail attached to the inside of the frame's side surface, where the hinge unit is located, allowing only partial contact to restrict deformation and incorporating throttle portions or spacers to minimize the transmission of deformation to the guide rail, thereby reducing image-reading errors and enabling a more compact, high-quality device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the image-reading section is made thinner to reduce apparatus height, then the height of the apparatus is reduced, but the image-reading section becomes more susceptible to deformation from rotation moment load
Solution Approach 1:
A load-bearing structure (intermediary element) is introduced between the hinge unit and the image-reading section to absorb and distribute the rotation moment load, preventing direct transmission of force that would cause deformation of the thinned image-reading section
2Stability of the object's composition
If the structure of the image-reading section is strengthened to prevent deformation, then the structural stability is improved, but the thickness and weight of the image-reading section increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the image-reading section structure itself and transferred to a separate dedicated load-bearing structure, allowing the image-reading section to be thinned while maintaining stability through the external support structure
3Force
If the hinge unit is fixed to the post connecting the image-reading section and image-forming section to distribute load, then the load distribution is improved, but the rotation moment is still transmitted to the image-reading section via the post
Solution Approach 1:
The post serves as an intermediary load-bearing element that connects the hinge unit to the main body, absorbing and distributing the rotation moment load through its structural design, thereby preventing direct transmission of deforming forces to the image-reading section
Data Source
AI summary
A rear side surface of a frame of an image-forming apparatus has throttle portions protruding toward the inside of the frame. By aligning the screw holes in the throttle portions and the through-holes in a guide rail and then screwing screws into these holes, the guide rail is fixed to the rear side surface with a predetermined distance therebetween. This restricts deformation of the guide rail due to a load applied by opening and closing the document holding plate.