Image Forming Apparatus Air Communication Port Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining air communication passages when placed against a wall, leading to increased size and compromised design due to protruding ribs or covered grip portions, which hinder air flow for cooling heat generating members.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates offset surface portions with air communication ports on the outer casing, allowing air to flow between the image forming apparatus and the wall, preventing upsizing and maintaining design aesthetics by ensuring air communication passages even when the apparatus is against a wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rib is provided on the side surface to prevent blocking of the air communication port, then air communication is ensured, but the size of the image forming apparatus is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The air communication port is repositioned from a side surface configuration to a top surface configuration. This dimensional change allows the air communication function to be maintained without requiring a protruding rib structure, thereby avoiding the size increase while ensuring air can pass through the port even when the apparatus is placed against a wall.
2Reliability
If a rib is provided on the side surface to prevent blocking of the air communication port, then air communication is ensured, but design property is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The air communication port is relocated to the top surface of the apparatus, eliminating the need for a protruding rib on the side surface. This maintains a smooth, aesthetically pleasing exterior design while ensuring the air communication function remains reliable through the top surface port configuration.
3Shape
If the grip portion is provided as part of the side surface with air communication port, then design property is maintained, but air communication passage cannot be ensured when placed against wall
Solution Approach 1:
The air communication port is positioned on the top surface rather than the side surface. This allows the side surface to maintain a smooth, design-friendly appearance without protrusions, while the top surface port ensures air communication is maintained even when the apparatus is placed against a wall.
4Device complexity
If air communication port is provided on the side surface, then air communication is simple, but the port is blocked when placed against wall
Solution Approach 1:
The air communication port is repositioned from the side surface to the top surface of the apparatus. This dimensional relocation ensures the port remains accessible and functional even when the apparatus is placed against a wall, maintaining reliable air communication while keeping the structural design 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
This solution ensures effective air communication and cooling of heat generating members within the image forming apparatus without increasing its size or compromising design, by using offset surface portions with air communication ports that allow air to flow between the apparatus and the wall, maintaining efficient operation and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
By sucking the air of an outside of the image forming apparatus through the air communication port provided in the side surface of the image forming apparatus and by discharging the air of an inside of the image forming apparatus through the air communication port, cooling of a heat generating member (element) provided inside the image forming apparatus is realized
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an air communication port, and an outer casing covering an outside of a frame member of the image forming apparatus. The outer casing includes a first side surface facing in one of a first direction and a second side surface facing in one of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first side surface includes a first surface portion extending in a vertical direction, a second surface portion offset in the first direction from the first surface portion toward the inside of the image forming apparatus, and a third surface portion connecting the first and second surface portions. The third surface portion is provided with the air communication port penetrating the outer casing. The first, second surface and third surface portions extend to the second side surface.