Image Forming Apparatus With Integrated Bent-Plate Fire Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in preventing fire spread from ignition sources due to low flame retardancy of components like POM gears, which require additional fire protection measures that increase cost and space, and are vulnerable to foreign matter igniting fires.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a metallic plate with a projection member and a cut and raised bent portion that serves as a shielding member, positioned below the projection to cover it from the direction of gravity, effectively preventing fire spread without additional components or increased space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fire protection sheet is added to prevent fire spread, then fire protection capability is improved, but cost and apparatus size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fire protection function with the existing drive box structure by forming a bent portion from the metallic plate itself. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate fire protection sheets and holding components, thereby preventing fire spread while avoiding increases in apparatus size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic plate serves dual functions: it provides structural support for the drive mechanism and simultaneously acts as a fire protection barrier through its bent portion. The structure protects itself from fire spread without requiring additional dedicated fire protection components, reducing both cost and space.
2Reliability
If fire protection measures are implemented for exposed gears, then fire spread prevention is improved, but cost and apparatus complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fire protection function is merged into the drive box's metallic plate structure. The bent portion formed from the metallic plate creates a shielding barrier that protects exposed gears from fire spread, eliminating the need for separate fire protection components while maintaining protection capability.
3Reliability
If shielding members are provided against ignition sources, then fire spread prevention is improved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding function is combined with the existing metallic plate structure of the drive box. The bent portion of the metallic plate serves as the shielding member, providing fire protection without requiring additional separate components, thereby avoiding increases in apparatus weight and cost.
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 provides effective fire protection at a lower cost and without increasing the apparatus size, by using the bent portion to shield heat and prevent fire spread from ignition or foreign matter, while maintaining the apparatus's compactness.
Implementation Method 1
shielding heat from a heat generating source to a resin member and preventing spread of fire caused by ignition or a foreign matter
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a metallic plate, a projection member, a hole and a bent portion. The projection member is provided with a projection portion projecting from the metallic plate. The hole is formed by cutting and raising a part of the metallic plate. The bent portion is cut and raised from the hole. The projection portion projects from the hole. The bent portion is positioned below the projection portion in a direction of gravity in a state in which the projection portion projects from the hole, and covers the projection portion as seen from below in the direction of gravity.