Image Forming Frame Assembly With Welded-Adhesive Plate Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatus frames face challenges in achieving both weight reduction and sufficient rigidity, particularly in the peeling direction, due to limitations in adhesive strength and the need for additional screw fastening.

Innovation Solution

A frame assembly method that combines welding and adhesive application, where metal plates are welded at multiple positions and adhesive is applied between these welding points to enhance rigidity, reducing the need for screws and allowing for efficient weight reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of stationary object

If a plurality of metal plates is joined together by an adhesive, then the number of screws is reduced and weight is reduced, but the rigidity in the peeling direction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe weightVSAvoidadhesive strength in peeling direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame structure is divided into multiple metal plates that are joined together using adhesive at specific locations. By segmenting the frame into discrete plates connected by adhesive joints, the design reduces the need for extensive screw fastening while maintaining structural integrity through strategic adhesive placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical screw-fastening system with an adhesive bonding system. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous screws and holes in the metal plates, thereby reducing frame weight while providing sufficient rigidity through the adhesive's bonding properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If the number of screw-fastening places is increased to improve rigidity, then the frame rigidity is improved, but the weight of the frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rigidityVSAvoidframe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw-fastening system with an adhesive bonding system. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous screws and holes in the metal plates, thereby reducing frame weight while providing sufficient rigidity through the adhesive's bonding properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding method from mechanical (screws) to chemical (adhesive), fundamentally altering how the metal plates are joined. This parameter change allows for weight reduction while maintaining rigidity, as adhesive bonding provides sufficient strength without the additional weight of multiple fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If metal plates are thickened to improve rigidity, then the frame rigidity is improved, but the weight and material cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe rigidityVSAvoidframe weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies adhesive bonding at specific locations between metal plates rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach provides rigidity enhancement only where needed, avoiding the need to thicken all metal plates uniformly, thereby maintaining weight efficiency while achieving sufficient structural strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach achieves a lightweight frame with enhanced rigidity by dispersing peeling forces through welding and adhesive application, minimizing material and time costs while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The first metal plate and the third metal plate are welded together at a plurality of welding positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWelding: Welding

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive is applied to between the first metal plate and the third metal plate in a range sandwiched between two welding positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12625456B2Image forming apparatus and manufacturing method for frame of image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.05.12 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material, a first metal plate and a second metal plate that face each other to sandwich the image forming unit, and a third metal plate that is located between the first metal plate and the second metal plate and is joined to the first metal plate and the second metal plate. The first metal plate and the third metal plate are welded together at a plurality of welding positions, an adhesive is applied to between the first metal plate and the third metal plate in a range sandwiched between two welding positions of the plurality of welding positions in a region where the first metal plate and the third metal plate are in contact with each other, and the first metal plate and the third metal plate are thereby joined together.