Image Forming Apparatus Layout Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses have poor space efficiency due to the orthogonal layout of paper feed and conveying directions, leading to increased installation size and dead space, especially with the flat-bed scanner being wider than the image recording unit, and the electric board unit expanding the depth direction of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with the original loading member and image reading unit configured such that the original's lengthwise direction is orthogonal to the conveyed recording material's direction, allowing the recording material to be conveyed in a depth direction, and the electric boards are arranged along the side of the original's lengthwise direction, optimizing space usage and reducing the apparatus's width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the flat-bed scanner is configured with scanning direction in the lateral direction, then the original can be scanned effectively, but the apparatus width increases and dead space is created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric board unit with the flat-bed scanner assembly, positioning the electric boards on the lateral side of the scanner rather than separately. This integration eliminates the dead space between the scanner and recording unit, reducing overall apparatus width while maintaining scanning functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the electric board unit is provided forward of the side face, then control functions are available, but the depth direction of the apparatus is expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the electric boards from the front side face to the lateral side of the apparatus, changing the spatial dimension in which control components are positioned. This allows control functionality to be maintained while eliminating the need for additional depth space.
3Area of stationary object
If the original's lengthwise direction is orthogonal to the recording material's conveying direction, then space can be optimized, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric layout where the original's lengthwise direction is orthogonal to the recording material's conveying direction. This asymmetric configuration optimizes space utilization by aligning the wider original format with the lateral dimension, allowing the recording unit to use the depth direction efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
The preset invention relates to an image forming apparatus comprising; an original loading member on which an original is loaded, image reading means for scanning the loaded original to read image information, recording material conveying unit which conveys a recording material in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction in which the image reading means reads the image information, image forming means for forming an image on the conveyed recording material and an image forming electric board which is arranged in a space on a side of a lengthwise direction of said original relative to said recording material conveying unit.