Image Forming Apparatus Frame Structure for Positional Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining positional accuracy between the photoconductor and scanner units due to distortions such as deflection and torsion caused by uneven surfaces or impacts, which affect the quality of images formed on recording media.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a frame structure with a pair of upper sheet-metal frames and lower resin frames, where the upper frames have increased stiffness in the planar direction to support the image forming unit, and the lower frames provide additional support with a center of gravity closer to one upper frame, reducing the impact of distortions and maintaining positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the upper frames are made with high stiffness to maintain positional accuracy, then the positioning precision between photoconductor and scanner unit is improved, but the frame becomes more susceptible to torsion and deflection from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into upper frames (made of stiff sheet metal for positioning accuracy) and lower frames (made of resilient resin for shock absorption). This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties: the upper frames maintain rigidity for precise positioning, while the lower frames provide flexibility to absorb external forces, thereby resolving the contradiction between stiffness and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure uses composite materials combining sheet metal (for upper frames requiring stiffness) and resin (for lower frames requiring shock absorption). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve high positioning accuracy through the metal upper frames and enhanced stability through the resilient resin lower frames that absorb torsion and deflection forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lower frames are made more rigid to resist distortion, then the frame stability is improved, but the center of gravity shifts and creates new imbalances affecting positioning
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the frame have different stiffness properties tailored to their specific functions. The lower frames are made of resin with moderate stiffness to absorb shocks without creating excessive rigidity that would shift the center of gravity. The upper frames are made of sheet metal with high stiffness specifically where needed for positioning. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between overall stability and positioning precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If the frames are coupled only at the upper ends to minimize interference, then the positioning accuracy is maintained, but the structure becomes vulnerable to distortion from forces applied to the lower parts
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into upper and lower portions with different coupling strategies. The upper frames are coupled at their upper ends to maintain positioning accuracy, while the lower frames are designed as resilient support elements that absorb forces. This segmentation allows the upper positioning-critical joints to remain minimally coupled while the lower support structure provides distributed strength through its resilient nature.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: upper frames opposed to each other across an image forming unit; a scanner supporting member that couples the upper frames and supports the scanner unit; and a frame coupling member that couples the upper frames on an opposite side of the scanner supporting member across the photoconductor unit; lower frames, each of which has an upper surface including a plurality of lower supporting portions each contacting a lower end of a respective one of the upper frames, and a lower surface including a bottom supported portion opposed to a placing surface. A stiffness of each of the upper frames in a substantially planar direction along the vertical direction is greater than a stiffness of each of the lower frames along the vertical direction between the lower supporting portions and the bottom supported portion.