Image Forming Apparatus Frame Segmentation for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses with a frame structure between two side plates face challenges in minimizing their size due to empty spaces formed when trying to accommodate different widths of trays, tray insertion/removal mechanisms, and sheet feeding cassettes, leading to an excessive increase in volume.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a frame structure with a first frame member having a first and second portion, where the second portion is fixed separately and positioned differently from the first portion, and a second frame member with side surfaces facing both the image forming unit and the stacking unit, allowing for adjustable spacing to minimize empty spaces and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the two side plates is set to accommodate the tray and tray insertion/removal mechanism, then the tray can be properly installed, but an empty space is formed between the side plates and the sheet feeding cassette, causing excessive volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first frame member is divided into a first portion and a second portion that are positioned at different locations in the direction of the rotation axis. This segmentation allows each portion to independently support different components (image forming unit and stacking unit respectively), enabling the frame to adapt to varying widths of trays and cassettes without creating excessive empty spaces, thus reducing overall apparatus volume while maintaining tray installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning the first and second portions of the first frame member at different locations along the rotation axis direction. This dimensional arrangement allows the frame structure to accommodate components with different width requirements at different heights, optimizing space utilization and preventing volume increase from empty spaces
2Volume of moving object
If the distance between the two side plates is minimized to reduce apparatus size, then the volume is reduced, but there is insufficient space to accommodate both the tray and sheet feeding cassette
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the first frame member into two portions positioned at different heights along the rotation axis, the patent creates distinct support zones for the image forming unit and stacking unit. This allows the side plate distance to be optimized for each component's width requirement independently, accommodating both trays and cassettes within a minimized overall apparatus volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the stacking unit is positioned below the image forming unit in the vertical direction. This nesting along the rotation axis allows both components to coexist within a compact vertical space, minimizing the horizontal distance between side plates while maintaining adequate space for both components
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first frame member and a second frame member which are aligned in a direction of a rotation axis of an image bearing member and faces each other across an image forming unit and a stacking unit. The first frame member includes a first portion including a first side surface facing the image forming unit and a second portion, which is fixed to the first portion, including a second side surface facing the stacking unit. The second frame member includes a third side surface facing the image forming unit and the stacking unit, and at least a part of the second side surface is provided in a position different from a position of the first side surface in the direction of the rotation axis of the image bearing member.