Image Forming Apparatus Assembly with Temporary Part Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatus assembly methods face challenges when parts need to be temporarily held at positions different from their final assembly positions, especially in compact designs, leading to potential dislodging and assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a temporary holding mechanism using engaging portions and engaged portions on parts, allowing for sequential assembly steps where parts are initially held temporarily and then fully assembled, utilizing a first engaging portion engagement followed by a second engaging portion engagement to secure the part in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking portion is provided to hold the part on the mounting surface, then the part can be prevented from falling off, but the part cannot be moved after being placed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two distinct segments: a first locking portion for temporary holding and a second locking portion for final securing. This segmentation allows the part to be temporarily fixed during assembly, then repositioned if needed, resolving the contradiction between retention reliability and assembly flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static permanent lock to a dynamic multi-stage lock. The first locking portion provides initial retention, then the part can be moved, and the second locking portion provides final retention. This dynamic behavior enables both temporary holding and repositioning capabilities
2Volume of moving object
If the assembly space is reduced to make the image forming apparatus smaller, then the device size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to secure the assembly space
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking portion is engaged in advance during the assembly process to temporarily secure parts in a compact configuration. This preliminary action allows the apparatus to maintain a smaller overall size while still providing sufficient assembly space through the temporary locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking portion acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables assembly in compact spaces. It provides temporary retention that allows workers to assemble parts in a smaller volume, then the second locking portion secures the final configuration
3Productivity
If the assembly order is changed to assemble peripheral parts first, then the assembly speed can be improved, but the parts assembled first may be dislodged
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into first and second locking portions that correspond to different assembly stages. This segmentation allows peripheral parts to be assembled first with temporary locking, then the central part is assembled with final locking, enabling improved assembly speed while maintaining part stability throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking portion provides beforehand cushioning by temporarily securing parts before the final assembly is complete. This preliminary protection prevents dislodging during the assembly process, allowing workers to change assembly orders to optimize speed without compromising stability
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a main body, a first part having a first and a second engaging portion, a second part having a first and a second engaged portion, and a third part. An assembling method includes a first step of engaging the first engaging portion of the first part with the first engaged portion of the second part by moving the first part in a first direction relative to the second part assembled into the main body; a second step of assembling the third part to the main body by moving the third part in a second direction; and a third step of moving the first part in a third direction relative to the second part so as to release the engagement between the first engaging portion and the first engaged portion and engaging the second engaging portion with the second engaged portion.