Image Forming Frame Rigidity via Bent Plate Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal plate-combined frames for image forming apparatuses suffer from weak rigidity, leading to distortion and positional inaccuracies, which can result in image quality issues like distortion and color misregistration, and attempts to enhance rigidity through thickness increases or additional parts contradict the goals of downsizing and cost reduction.
Innovation Solution
A frame design featuring a first plate member with a bent portion and a positioning portion that projects beyond the portion-to-be-fixed, allowing for reliable contact and deformation to secure the second plate member, thereby maintaining rigidity without increasing cost or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thickness of the metal plate is increased to enhance frame rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming bent portions in the metal plate that extend along the side plates. These bent portions create a three-dimensional curved structure that provides enhanced rigidity and structural support without increasing the plate thickness or weight. The curved geometry naturally resists deformation more effectively than flat structures.
2Strength
If additional reinforcing members are added to enhance frame rigidity, then the rigidity is improved, but the number of parts and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a single integrated metal plate structure. The bent portions extending along the side plates serve both as structural supports and as elements that contribute to overall frame rigidity, eliminating the need for separate reinforcing members and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent portions of the metal plate perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enhance frame rigidity, and serve as attachment points for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized reinforcing members.
3Ease of manufacture
If the metal plate-combined frame is used to reduce cost and simplify structure, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the rigidity and positional accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bent portions create a three-dimensional curved structure that inherently provides better rigidity and maintains positional accuracy without requiring complex manufacturing processes or additional components, thus preserving the cost advantages of the metal plate-combined frame approach.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design effectively enhances the rigidity of the frame while maintaining cost efficiency and positional accuracy, preventing distortion and ensuring reliable fastening without the need for additional parts or thickness increases.
Implementation Method 1
the second plate member is deformed to contact and deform the fixing portion to said portion-to-be-fixed while the second plate member is in contact to the positioning portion, so that the first plate member and the second member are fixed to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A frame for an image forming apparatus, includes: first and second plate members; a bent portion provided as a part of the first plate member and bent along the second plate member; a portion-to-be-fixed provided as a part of the bent portion; a positioning portion, provided on the first plate member, for positioning the second plate member relative to the first plate member by being abutted vertically against the second plate member, wherein a free end projects toward the second plate member more than the portion-to-be-fixed; and a fixing portion, provided as a part of the second plate member, to which the portion-to-be-fixed is fixed. The second plate member is deformed to contact and deform the fixing portion to the portion-to-be-fixed while the second plate member is in contact to the positioning portion, so that the first plate member and the second member are fixed to each other.