Image Forming Apparatus Air Intake Layout for Hidden Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with air intake ports that deteriorate the appearance and fail to provide sufficient cooling due to their placement on exterior surfaces, leading to inadequate airflow for effective temperature regulation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates an air intake port disposed within the apparatus body, covered by a cover member and a sheet storage portion cover, which overlaps with the intake port when viewed in the attaching direction, ensuring efficient airflow while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the air intake port is disposed on the side cover which constitutes an exterior surface, then the air intake area is increased, but the appearance property is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the air intake port on the curved surface connecting the front door side face and side cover, utilizing a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The port is arranged to be opposed to the grip portion of the front door, effectively using the curved surface area to provide sufficient air intake while keeping the port hidden from direct external view, thus maintaining appearance quality.
2Shape
If the air intake port is disposed on the curved surface, then the appearance property is maintained, but the air intake area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the air intake port on the curved surface at a location opposed to the grip portion of the front door. This specific localization allows the port to be hidden during normal operation (maintaining appearance) while still providing adequate air intake area for cooling the fixing unit and electric components.
3Shape
If the air intake port is covered by the cover member and storage portion cover, then the appearance property is improved, but the airflow efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cover member and storage portion cover to be positioned such that they cover the air intake port when viewed in the attaching direction during normal operation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the port remains hidden (improving appearance) while the covers are designed to allow sufficient air passage, thus maintaining airflow efficiency for cooling purposes.
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 allows for effective cooling of internal components by ensuring sufficient airflow without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the device, while also enabling a more compact design.
Implementation Method 1
an air blowing portion disposed within the apparatus body and configured to generate an airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a sheet storage portion, and an air blowing portion disposed within the apparatus body. The apparatus body includes a body portion oriented toward an upstream side in an attaching direction of the sheet storage portion, the body portion including an air intake port, and a cover member provided to be openable and closable with respect to the body portion. The sheet storage portion includes a storage portion body and a storage portion cover. In a state where the cover member is closed with respect to the body portion and the sheet storage portion is attached to the apparatus body, the air intake port is disposed to be overlapped with the cover member and the storage portion cover when viewed in the attaching direction and is covered by the cover member and the storage portion cover.