Compact Image Forming Apparatus with Depth-Aligned Sheet Feed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses occupy large installation spaces due to projecting sheet feed mechanisms, making them bulky, difficult to pack, and prone to dust and stains, which compromises design performance.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a stacked structure where the reading mechanism is oriented with its longitudinal direction parallel to the casing's width, and the recording mechanism's supply tray is positioned to fit within the depth of the reading mechanism and operating section, allowing all components to be housed in a compact angular casing, eliminating projections and the need for additional covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sheet feed mechanism is disposed to supply sheets to the printer unit, then the sheet feeding function is achieved, but the installation space is increased and the apparatus becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by orienting the medium supply tray in the depth direction rather than the width direction, and positions the reversing mechanism at the rear end of the reading mechanism. This dimensional reorganization allows the sheet feed mechanism to fit within the existing footprint without projecting outward, thereby reducing installation space while maintaining sheet feeding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the medium supply tray within the depth of the reading mechanism and operating section by setting the rear end of the reversing mechanism at the same position as the rear end of the reading mechanism. This nesting arrangement allows the sheet feed mechanism to be housed within the overall apparatus boundary, eliminating the need for additional external space.
2Ease of operation
If the sheet feed tray projects from the casing, then sheet supply is enabled, but the apparatus cannot be packed easily and design performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the medium supply tray to extend in the depth direction rather than projecting in the width direction. By aligning the tray's longitudinal direction with the depth direction of the casing, the design achieves a compact external shape that is easy to pack while maintaining full sheet supply capability through the reversing mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the sheet feed tray projects from the casing, then sheet supply is enabled, but dust and stains may stick to sheets in an exposed state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the medium supply tray within the internal depth of the casing, eliminating external projection. This nesting arrangement provides natural coverage for the sheets, protecting them from dust and stains while maintaining the sheet supply function through the reversing mechanism.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a tray cover is added to protect sheets, then dust and stains are prevented, but the apparatus becomes even bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate cover component, the patent uses the depth-direction orientation of the medium supply tray and the positioning of the reversing mechanism to create natural coverage. This spatial arrangement provides protection from dust and stains without requiring additional external components, thereby avoiding increase in apparatus size.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a reading mechanism having an original placement portion, a recording mechanism having a medium supply tray and a reversing mechanism, a casing that houses the recording mechanism, and an operating section through which the image forming apparatus is manipulated. A longitudinal direction of the original placement portion is substantially parallel with a width direction of the casing and the operating section is disposed on a front side of the reading mechanism. A longitudinal direction of the medium supply tray is substantially parallel with a depth direction that is perpendicular to the width direction of the casing. The reversing mechanism is disposed close to a rear end side in the depth direction. A dimension of the recording mechanism in the depth direction is not more than a sum of a depth of the reading mechanism plus a depth of the operating section.