Inclined Ventilation Structure for Image Forming Apparatus Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in effectively cooling the internal spaces, particularly when multiple components generate heat, as airflow is often restricted, making it difficult to cool all components uniformly.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates inclined portions and ventilation parts in the image forming apparatus, allowing for airflow to be guided through punched holes in a V-shaped space, ensuring that heat can be efficiently dissipated across multiple substrates by utilizing natural convection without the need for additional cooling fans or blowers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple cooled parts are disposed in a space between inclined portions without additional cooling fans or blowers, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but cooling efficiency and airflow distribution to all components may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The space between the first and second inclined portions is divided into multiple regions, with each cooled part disposed in a separate region. This segmentation allows airflow to be distributed to multiple components simultaneously through the natural convection current, enabling effective cooling of multiple parts without requiring individual cooling fans for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined portions create a three-dimensional airflow path that utilizes vertical and diagonal dimensions. The first inclined portion directs airflow upward and inward, while the second inclined portion guides it downward, creating a circulating convection current that reaches cooled parts positioned at different heights and depths within the space
2Use of energy by moving object
If natural convection is used instead of fans or blowers, then energy consumption is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but airflow reach and cooling uniformity across all components may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second inclined portions are positioned asymmetrically within the housing, with the first inclined portion extending from the front surface toward the rear and the second inclined portion positioned to create a non-uniform airflow path. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the natural convection current to reach all cooled parts effectively, ensuring uniform cooling distribution without requiring additional energy-consuming mechanical fans
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes natural convection currents generated by temperature differences within the apparatus itself, without requiring external power sources or mechanical fans. The heated air naturally rises and circulates through the inclined portions, creating a self-sustaining cooling flow that reliably cools all components while minimizing energy consumption
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 enhances cooling efficiency by ensuring airflow reaches all components, improving the overall thermal management within the apparatus, reducing manufacturing costs, and maintaining effective cooling performance without the use of fans or blowers.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for airflow to be guided through punched holes in a V-shaped space, ensuring that heat can be efficiently dissipated across multiple substrates by utilizing natural convection
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a body of the image forming apparatus; a first inclined portion that is inclined upward from one side surface toward another side surface of the body of the image forming apparatus; a second inclined portion that is inclined downward from an inner end portion of the first inclined portion toward the one side surface; multiple cooled parts that are disposed in a space between the first inclined portion and the second inclined portion and that are disposed to be spaced from each other in a direction from the one side surface to the other side surface; a first wall member that is disposed above the first inclined portion and that has a first ventilation part; and a second wall member that is disposed below the second inclined portion and that has a second ventilation part.