IC Card Holder Positioning via Integrated Height Determining Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses often incur additional costs and complexity due to the optional nature of IC card readers, which require separate holders and positioning mechanisms, leading to increased component counts and costs when not all users desire this feature.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a height determining member that serves as both a positioning tool for the IC card reader holder and a part of the support frame when the reader is mounted, allowing the detection surface to be positioned at a predetermined height and reducing unnecessary component usage by reusing existing frame elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a holder and separate positioning mechanisms are provided for the IC card reader, then the IC card reader can be mounted as an option, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and positioning mechanisms are merged into a single integrated holder structure. The holder includes built-in positioning protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the operation panel, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall component count while maintaining optional mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The holder is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the IC card reader, enables optional mounting via removable design, and performs positioning through integrated protrusions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function
2Ease of manufacture
If separate holders and positioning mechanisms are provided, then the IC card reader can be installed, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into the holder structure itself, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. The integrated design reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holder is designed to be removable for optional mounting, then user choice is accommodated, but the positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The holder features localized positioning protrusions with precise geometric shapes that engage with matching recesses in the operation panel. This localized precision design ensures accurate positioning while the overall holder remains removable for optional mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions are pre-formed as integral parts of the holder structure during holder manufacturing. This preliminary formation of precise positioning features ensures that when the holder is installed, the IC card reader is automatically positioned with high accuracy without requiring additional adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a height determining member that performs the positioning of a holder in a height direction. When the holder is not mounted, the height determining member is assembled to a predetermined frame member to serve as a part of the predetermined frame member.