Image Forming Apparatus Guide Member Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses lack sufficient rigidity, which can lead to instability and reduced performance in handling and processing sheets, particularly when integrating optional devices like finishers.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a first guide member that is fixed to both the main body casing and the finisher, along with a coupling member, enhances the structural rigidity by connecting the printer and finisher as a single unit, while also guiding sheet conveyance and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the image forming apparatus uses separate components for the printer and finisher, then the device is more flexible and easier to assemble, but the overall rigidity and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the printer and finisher into a single integrated unit where the finisher is fixed to the printer body. The sheet conveyor device serves both functions by conveying sheets from the printer to the finisher, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining rigidity.
2Productivity
If the sheet conveyor device is integrated with both the printer and finisher, then sheet conveyance efficiency improves and sheet skew is prevented, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheet conveyor device is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both the printer and finisher. It conveys sheets from the printer and delivers them to the finisher, eliminating the need for separate conveyor systems and reducing overall structural complexity while improving conveyance efficiency.
3Strength
If the optional device and casing are fixed together, then the rigidity increases, but the adaptability and ease of installation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image forming apparatus into modular components (printer body, finisher, sheet conveyor device) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The finisher is fixed to the printer body through standardized mounting structures, allowing for easy installation while maintaining rigidity in the final assembled state.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an optional device, a casing, an image forming section and a sheet conveyor device. The optional device performs optional processing. The image forming section is located inside of the casing and forms an image on a sheet. The sheet conveyor device conveys, to the optional device, the sheet with an image formed thereon by the image forming section. The optional device and the casing are fixed to each other. The sheet conveyor device is fixed to the optional device and the casing.