Image Forming Apparatus Two-Part Frame Grip Weight Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configuration of image forming apparatuses, where a first frame and a second frame are coupled for lifting, often results in deformation of the coupling portion due to the weight of the first frame being suspended by the second frame, leading to potential misalignment and image quality issues during sheet feeding.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a first frame with a stay coupling a strut and a side plate, and a second frame with a strut coupled to the first strut, featuring a pivotable grip at the first strut to distribute the weight and prevent deformation during lifting, ensuring the coupling portion remains intact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the second frame is provided with grips to lift the first frame and second frame, then the ease of operation is improved, but the coupling portion between the first frame and second frame is likely to deform due to the weight of the first frame being suspended by the second frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of liftingVSAvoidcoupling portion integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is divided into a first frame and a second frame that are coupled together. The grip is provided specifically on the first frame rather than the second frame, segmenting the lifting function from the supported function. This allows the first frame to bear its own weight during lifting through the grip, while the coupling portion only needs to support the second frame's weight, preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing the grip on the second frame (conventional approach), the invention inverts the design by providing the grip on the first frame. This inversion changes the load distribution: the first frame now directly supports itself during lifting, and the coupling portion only carries the second frame's weight, resolving the deformation issue while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If the first frame is suspended by the second frame during lifting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the coupling portion is affected by the weight of most of the first frame leading to deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of liftingVSAvoidrelative positional accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly is segmented into two independent frames (first and second frames) with a defined coupling interface. The grip is assigned to the first frame, creating distinct functional zones: the first frame handles lifting operations, while the coupling portion handles structural support. This segmentation prevents the coupling portion from bearing excessive loads that would compromise manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the conventional lifting arrangement by placing the grip on the first frame instead of the second frame. This inversion ensures that the first frame supports its own weight during lifting, preventing the coupling portion from experiencing deformation that would affect the relative positional accuracy between the two frames.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the coupling portion bears the weight of the first frame during lifting, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the coupling portion is likely to deform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe structure stabilityVSAvoidcoupling portion strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame system is segmented into a first frame with a grip and a second frame coupled to it. This segmentation assigns the lifting load to the first frame's grip structure, while the coupling portion is designed to only bear the lighter load of the second frame. The stay connecting the strut to the side plate provides additional structural support, distributing forces to maintain stability without overloading the coupling portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the load-bearing arrangement by providing the grip on the first frame rather than the second frame. This inversion ensures that the first frame supports its own weight during lifting operations, preserving the coupling portion's strength and preventing deformation while maintaining overall frame structure stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11347177B2Image forming apparatus with two-part frame having grips

Publication Date: 2022.05.31 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a sheet cassette, an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet fed from the sheet cassette, a first frame for supporting the sheet cassette, and a second frame provided on the first frame in a vertical direction for supporting the image forming unit. The first frame includes a first strut, a side plate spaced apart from the first strut, and a stay coupling the first strut and the side plate, wherein the sheet cassette is slidable in a direction in which the stay extends. The second frame includes a second strut coupled to the first strut. A grip is provided pivotably at the first strut, the grip being graspable by an operator.