Image Forming Apparatus Card Installation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack an efficient and user-friendly method for installing additional components such as network cards and facsimile units, which complicates the integration of new functions and increases the risk of electrical noise interference.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a card installation section and a unit installation section with specific terminal connections and shielding mechanisms, allowing for easy installation of network cards and facsimile units, with grip portions and external connectors for secure and noise-reduced operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are installed in existing image forming apparatuses, then functionality is enhanced, but the risk of electrical noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the installation system into separate modules: a substrate with connection terminals, a dedicated installation section with shielding structure, and external connection terminals. This segmentation allows additional components to be installed independently while maintaining electrical isolation through the shielding mechanism, thus enhancing functionality without increasing electrical noise interference.
2Ease of operation
If installation methods are simplified for user-friendly operation, then ease of installation is improved, but proper shielding and connection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates connection terminals and shielding structures into the substrate before the user performs installation. The substrate is pre-configured with first connection terminals that align with corresponding terminals on the control board, and the installation section is pre-equipped with shielding structures. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the user simply inserts the substrate into the installation section, proper electrical connections and shielding are automatically established without requiring complex assembly steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection terminals are provided for additional components, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal substrate design that can accommodate multiple types of additional components (network cards, facsimile units, etc.). The substrate includes multiple first connection terminals and external connection terminals that can interface with different component types. The installation section is designed to receive various substrates uniformly, providing adaptability for different functionalities while maintaining a consistent, simple installation process that does not increase device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a control board, a first connection terminal provided on an outer surface of the control board, an installation section disposed at the outer surface side of the control board, a substrate capable of being installed into the installation section, a second connection terminal provided on a first surface of the substrate and connected to the first connection terminal, a grip portion provided on a second surface of the substrate at a first end thereof in an in-plane direction, and an external connection terminal provided on the substrate so as to project from the substrate at a second end thereof in the in-plane direction. The external connection terminal is externally exposed to allow an external device to be connected thereto when the substrate is installed into the installation section after the external connection terminal is inserted through an opening in the apparatus body.