Image Forming Apparatus Working Sections Front Side Layout
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses in small offices and home offices face challenges in securing space for efficient replacement of toner cartridges and process units, leading to poor workability due to inadequate design of working spaces, which can result in scattered toner staining paper and complicating operations.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with working sections distributed on the front and side surfaces, where high-frequency operations like supply and replacement of toner cartridges are performed on the front surface and lower-frequency operations like unit assembly replacement on the side surface, with a side surface opening/closing door allowing for efficient access and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is downsized to occupy smaller space, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the working space for replacement operations becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides working sections into front surface and side surface, separating high-frequency operations (toner cartridge replacement) from low-frequency operations (unit assembly replacement). This segmentation allows compact overall design while providing adequate working space for each operation type at appropriate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the side surface of the apparatus as an additional working dimension. By placing low-frequency working sections on the side surface and high-frequency working sections on the front surface, the design effectively adds a spatial dimension for operations, reducing interference and improving ease of operation in a compact footprint.
2Device complexity
If all working sections are concentrated on the front surface, then the apparatus structure is simplified, but worker movement blocks passage and reduces operational smoothness
Solution Approach 1:
Working sections are segmented between front surface and side surface based on operation frequency. High-frequency operations are placed on the front surface while low-frequency operations are placed on the side surface. This segmentation reduces worker movement requirements and prevents passage blocking, improving operational smoothness without significantly complicating the apparatus structure.
3Volume of moving object
If toner cartridge replacement is performed on the side surface, then working space is reduced, but the operation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by placing high-frequency working sections (toner cartridge replacement) on the front surface where adequate working space is available, and low-frequency working sections on the side surface. This ensures that operations requiring more space and frequency are performed in optimal locations, maintaining ease of operation while utilizing compact overall design.
4Device complexity
If the apparatus is designed for front surface operations only, then the structure is simpler, but side surface document storage and bookshelves interfere with worker access
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the side surface as an additional working dimension for low-frequency operations. This allows the apparatus to be positioned in spaces with front surface document storage and bookshelves, as critical operations can be performed on the side surface without interference, improving workspace compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes, as working sections, a paper output tray (16), a paper feeding cassette (13), and attachment sections to which toner cartridges (71) through (74), a waste toner container (69), and a unit assembly (11) are attached. Out of the working sections, a high-frequency working section with a high working frequency is provided on a front surface of the image forming apparatus, and a low-frequency working section with a low working frequency is provided on a side surface of the image forming apparatus.