Image Forming Apparatus With Separable Frames for Modular Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in expanding functions and accommodating diverse user specifications due to their single main frame design, which limits unit replacement and customization.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is divided into separable frames, including a first block with a transfer member and conveyance path, a second block with a conveyance path and discharge unit, and supporting portions for each block, allowing for easy assembly and expansion of functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single main frame is constructed by integrating multiple sheet metals using screw fastening or welding, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability and ease of function expansion deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into multiple separable frames (first frame, second frame, third frame) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each frame functions as an independent structural unit that can be stacked or configured in different arrangements, enabling functional expansion without compromising the overall structural strength of the system.
2Device complexity
If a single main frame is used to support various units, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and unit replacement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent frames, where the first frame supports the first unit, the second frame supports the second unit, and the third frame supports the third unit. This segmentation allows individual units to be accessed, removed, or repaired without disassembling the entire apparatus, significantly improving ease of repair and unit replacement while maintaining manageable device complexity.
3Productivity
If units are integrated into a single main frame, then productivity is improved through unified structure, but adaptability for diverse specifications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus employs separable frames that can be independently configured to support different units (image forming unit, intermediate transfer unit, document reading unit, etc.). This segmentation enables rapid reconfiguration and customization for diverse specifications while maintaining efficient assembly and production workflows, thus preserving productivity benefits while achieving high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable frame design creates universal support structures that can accommodate multiple different units and configurations. Each frame serves as a multi-functional platform that can be adapted to support various imaging components, transfer mechanisms, or document handling units, enabling the same basic frame structure to serve multiple functions across different apparatus specifications.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to form an image on a recording medium includes a first block including a first frame, a transfer member for transferring the image onto the recording medium, and a first conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed, a second block including a second frame separably stacked on the first frame, a second conveyance path in which the recording medium is conveyed from the first conveyance path, and a discharging unit configured to discharge the recording medium conveyed through the second conveyance path to an outside, three supporting portions for supporting the first block, and three supporting portions for supporting the second block. The first block is supported via the three supporting portions for supporting the first block. The second block is supported via the three supporting portions for supporting the second block with respect to the first block.