Inclined Substrate Display for Image Forming Apparatus Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of image forming apparatuses is hindered by the increasing size of display portions and control portions on display devices, which are needed for improved visibility but occupy more space, making it difficult to further reduce the size of image forming apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration with a substrate inclined at a 45-degree angle relative to the walls, allowing for a shorter width and depth, and using semitransparent diffusion display panels that transmit light, enabling the display of remaining developer levels while minimizing the required space, and incorporating a light emitting portion with LEDs and a peripheral circuit to control lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If display portions increase in size to improve visibility, then usability is improved, but the size of control portions increases, hindering miniaturization of image forming apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is inclined at 45 degrees relative to the first and second walls, transforming the control portion from a conventional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional inclined structure. This dimensional change allows the control portion to fit within a compact space while maintaining sufficient area for visibility, effectively resolving the contradiction between display size and apparatus miniaturization
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 allows for the miniaturization of the display device, reducing the overall size of the image forming apparatus while maintaining sufficient light transmission and visibility of the display panels, and secures space for the interface bundle wire, effectively addressing the challenge of miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
using semitransparent diffusion display panels that transmit light, enabling the display of remaining developer levels while minimizing the required space, and incorporating a light emitting portion with LEDs
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first wall, a second wall disposed opposed to the first wall, a third wall disposed in a direction crossing the first wall and the second wall and provided with a mounting portion, a substrate disposed between the first wall and the second wall and provided with a light emitting portion, and a display portion to permit transmission of light irradiated from the light emitting portion and mounted on the mounting portion. As viewed in a direction perpendicular to a normal direction of the substrate and parallel to the first and second walls, a distance between the first wall and the second wall is shorter than a length of the substrate, and the substrate is inclined with respect to the first and second walls.