Image Reading Unit Flatness Control via Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face the challenge of deteriorating flatness of the image reading unit during installation due to tolerances in the body frame, leading to deformation and inaccurate document reading.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus employs a combination of fixed and unfixed supporting members with elastic components to maintain the flatness of the image reading unit, using fixed supporting portions for stationary support and an unfixed supporting member with a coil spring for elastic support, ensuring the unit remains flat during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the image reading unit is mounted to the body frame using fixed supporting portions only, then the installation is simple and firm, but the flatness of the image reading unit deteriorates due to body frame tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing one fixed supporting portion with an unfixed supporting member that can move vertically. This unfixed supporting member is coupled to the body frame through an elastic member (such as a coil spring), allowing it to adapt to variations in body frame flatness while maintaining contact with the image reading unit. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the support structure to accommodate manufacturing tolerances without compromising the flatness of the image reading unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by introducing an elastic member that changes its physical state (compression/extension) in response to variations in body frame flatness. The elastic member allows the unfixed supporting member to adjust its position vertically, changing the support parameters dynamically. This enables the system to maintain the required flatness of the image reading unit despite variations in the body frame's manufacturing precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the image reading unit is mounted with multiple fixed supporting portions, then the flatness is maintained, but the installation becomes complex and less adaptable to body frame variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by using only one unfixed supporting member instead of requiring multiple fixed supporting portions with precise positioning. The unfixed supporting member with elastic coupling provides the necessary adaptation to body frame variations while maintaining flatness, thereby achieving the same effect with a simpler structure that requires fewer components and easier assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the body frame and the unfixed supporting member, absorbing the variations in body frame flatness. This intermediary component simplifies the overall mounting structure by providing a built-in compensation mechanism that eliminates the need for complex multi-point fixed mounting arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid fixed supporting portions are used, then the structure is stable and firm, but deformation occurs due to body frame tolerance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction between structural stability and flatness maintenance by introducing a dynamic element (the unfixed supporting member with elastic coupling) into an otherwise stable fixed supporting structure. The unfixed supporting member can move vertically to accommodate body frame variations, preventing deformation of the image reading unit while the three-point fixed support structure maintains overall structural stability. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to remain stable while adapting to manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and compensating for body frame tolerance variations before they can cause deformation of the image reading unit. The elastic member is pre-installed in a state that allows it to compress or extend, providing a cushioning effect that protects the image reading unit from deformation due to flatness variations in the body frame.
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 configuration provides a reliable three-point support structure with elastic restoration, maintaining the original flatness of the image reading unit and preventing deformation, even when installed on a body frame with varying flatness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member (115) to elastically support the unfixed supporting member (114)
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a body frame and an image reading unit mounted to the body frame. The image forming apparatus further includes a plurality of fixed supporting portions to which the image reading unit is mounted in a stationary manner, an unfixed supporting member mounted to the body frame in a vertically movable manner to support one side of the image reading unit in a vertically movable manner, and an elastic member to elastically support the unfixed supporting member. The image forming apparatus may prevent the flatness of the image reading unit from being deteriorated when the image reading unit is mounted to the body frame.