Image Reader Cable Routing to Avoid Right-Angle Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming devices face challenges in efficiently utilizing internal space while minimizing cable damage due to bending at right angles, which complicates size reduction and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a cylindrical member with a through hole and an inclined surface in the image reading device allows the cable to be routed along an inclined path, preventing right-angle bends and integrating with the document feeding device's movement, thus protecting the cable and optimizing internal space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is pulled upward along the cylindrical member when the document feeding device moves upward, then the cable is strongly pressed against the right-angled corner portion causing potential damage, but forming a flexible portion at the position where the cable changes direction suppresses damage from cable bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the right-angled corner portion with a rounded corner portion. This curved transition allows the cable to bend smoothly without sharp angles, eliminating the need for separate flexible portions and preventing cable damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a flexible portion is formed in the cable between the cylindrical member and the bottom surface to prevent cable damage, then cable bending damage is suppressed, but the flexible portion hangs down below the image reading device preventing efficient utilization of internal space
Solution Approach 1:
By rounding the corner portion, the cable follows a smooth curved path that remains within the internal space boundaries. This eliminates the need for hanging flexible portions while still protecting the cable from damage, thereby efficiently utilizing the internal space of the image reading device.
3Device complexity
If the cable is routed along the right-angled corner portion, then the cable path is simple, but the cable is strongly pressed against the corner when pulled upward causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded corner portion replaces the sharp right angle, creating a smooth curved surface. This curvature distributes the mechanical stress along the cable's path instead of concentrating it at a single point, thereby reducing cable stress and preventing damage while maintaining routing simplicity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the document feeding device is made movable in the vertical direction relative to the image reading device, then the device adapts to different document sizes, but the cable experiences strong pressing forces at corner portions during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded corner portion allows the cable to accommodate the vertical movement of the document feeding device without experiencing sharp bending forces. The curved geometry enables smooth cable deflection during device movement, maintaining adaptability while preventing cable damage from pressing forces.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device according to the disclosure includes a document feeding device provided with a cylindrical member including a through hole attached thereto, an image reading device including an insertion hole extending in a vertical direction, allowing insertion of the cylindrical member, and a cable wired along a bottom surface of the image reading device from inside the document feeding device through the through hole. A lower end portion of the insertion hole is provided with an inclined surface downwardly increasing in distance from the cylindrical member. When the document feeding device moves upward relative to the image reading device, the cylindrical member and the cable are pulled upward along the through hole, and the cable moves and is wired along the inclined surface.