Image Forming Apparatus Frame Member for Downstream Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack sufficient rigidity in the area downstream of the discharge port, which can lead to structural instability and potential issues during sheet discharge.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a frame member that connects first and second side plates, with the first side plate supporting an upper unit on one side of the casing and the second side plate supporting the upper unit on the opposite side, enhancing rigidity by extending in a direction intersecting with the sheet width direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional casing structure is used without additional frame members downstream of the discharge port, then the device complexity is low, but the rigidity and structural stability in the downstream area are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member is divided into multiple surfaces (first surface connected to first side plate, second surface connected to second side plate, third surface connected to first supporting member, fourth surface connected to second supporting member), creating a segmented structural solution that targets specific rigidity needs in different areas downstream of the discharge port
Solution Approach 2:
The frame member extends in the sheet width direction (perpendicular to the sheet discharge direction), adding structural support in a dimension that was previously unsupported, thereby increasing rigidity without interfering with the primary sheet discharge function
2Productivity
If the discharge tray is positioned to accommodate more sheets, then the productivity increases, but the structural stability decreases causing sheets to jump or fall
Solution Approach 1:
The frame member changes the structural parameters of the downstream area by adding connection surfaces that increase rigidity, allowing the discharge tray to maintain stability even when accommodating larger quantities of sheets
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a casing including a discharge port, an upper unit arranged above the casing, a first supporting member supporting the upper unit, and a second supporting member supporting the upper unit. The casing includes a first side plate, a second side plate, and a frame member arranged downstream of the discharge port in the sheet discharge direction. In the sheet width direction, the first side plate and the first supporting member are arranged on a first side, and the second side plate and the second supporting member are arranged on a second side opposite to the first side. The frame member includes a first surface connected to the first side plate, a second surface connected to the second side plate, a third surface connected to the first supporting member, and a fourth surface connected to the second supporting member.