Insulating Sheet Segmentation for Static Protection in Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face damage from static electricity generated when users touch operation switches and display panels, leading to potential damage of electric substrates and display units due to the complexity and additional manufacturing processes required for existing insulating sheet configurations.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a simplified configuration using a pair of insulating sheets, where a first sheet is positioned closer to the display unit and a second sheet on the opposite side, extending the creeping distance for static electricity to prevent discharge to the display unit, thereby protecting it from static electricity damage while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single insulating sheet with incised openings and insulating walls is used to protect the display unit, then the display unit can be protected from static electricity, but the form and shape of the insulating sheet becomes complicated and additional manufacturing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheet is divided into multiple separate sheets (first insulating sheet and second insulating sheet) positioned at different locations. The first sheet is placed closer to the display unit while the second sheet is positioned further away, with the cover between them. This segmentation simplifies the design of each individual sheet while maintaining effective protection against static electricity discharge to the display unit.
2Reliability
If insulating walls are added to surround edges of incised openings in the insulating sheet, then static electricity flow can be blocked, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating walls that were previously integrated into the insulating sheet are extracted and replaced by using multiple separate insulating sheets positioned at different locations. The first insulating sheet is placed closer to the display unit and the second sheet is positioned further away, with the cover between them. This extraction eliminates the need for complex insulating walls while maintaining effective protection against static electricity discharge.
3Reliability
If the insulating sheet is made with complicated form and shape to protect the display unit, then static electricity protection is achieved, but the device size increases and additional manufacturing processes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function is segmented into multiple simple insulating sheets positioned at different locations rather than one complex sheet. The first insulating sheet is placed closer to the display unit while the second sheet is positioned further away, with the cover between them. This segmentation simplifies each individual component and eliminates the need for additional manufacturing processes while maintaining effective protection.
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
The solution effectively prevents static electricity damage to the display unit by extending the creeping distance for static electricity, allowing for a less complicated and downsized image forming apparatus without compromising protection.
Implementation Method 1
extending the creeping distance for static electricity to prevent discharge to the display unit
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a display unit, which is configured to display information, an electric substrate, which is configured to manipulate the display unit to display the information, a cover, which is formed to have an opening in a position corresponding to the display unit, and an insulating sheet, which is arranged to cover the opening and includes a first sheet and a second sheet, the first sheet and the second sheet being arranged to interpose the cover in there-between. The first sheet is arranged on one of two sides of the cover closer to the display unit. The second sheet is arranged on an opposite side of the cover further from the display unit.