Interior Member Apertures for Noise Control in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reducing noise in image forming apparatuses often increase the size, weight, and cost of the device, and are limited in frequency absorption, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an interior member featuring strategically placed aperture regions to reflect and transmit sound energy back into the apparatus body, reducing noise energy radiated externally, while maintaining structural integrity through a balanced aperture ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise reduction methods (thicker exterior covers, sound absorbing materials, hollow double wall structures) are used, then noise control is improved, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the porous material principle by introducing aperture regions in the interior member that allow sound waves to pass through and be absorbed by noise control members. The aperture ratio (opening area to total area) is controlled within 0.1-10% to achieve effective noise absorption without requiring thick or heavy structural modifications, thus reducing device weight while maintaining noise control performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise reduction methods (thicker exterior covers, sound absorbing materials, hollow double wall structures) are used, then noise control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the interior member to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for internal components, acts as a noise control structure through integrated aperture regions, and enables sound wave manipulation without requiring separate dedicated noise reduction components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving effective noise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material principle is applied by incorporating aperture regions directly into the interior member structure, allowing noise control members to be integrated within the existing framework. This approach avoids adding separate complex noise reduction systems and maintains structural simplicity while achieving noise attenuation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise reduction methods (thicker exterior covers, sound absorbing materials, hollow double wall structures) are used, then noise control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universality principle is applied by making the interior member serve as both a structural component and a noise control element. The aperture regions are formed as integral parts of the interior member during standard manufacturing processes, eliminating the need for additional noise reduction components and reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving effective noise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material principle is implemented by creating aperture regions in the interior member that allow sound waves to reach noise control members. These aperture regions are formed through standard manufacturing techniques (such as punching or molding), avoiding complex assembly steps and reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining noise attenuation effectiveness.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If aperture ratio is increased to improve noise attenuation, then noise control is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by precisely controlling the aperture ratio within the range of 0.1-10% and optimizing the distribution, size, and positioning of aperture regions. This parameter optimization allows sufficient noise attenuation while maintaining adequate structural strength. The aperture regions are strategically placed in areas where structural integrity is least critical, balancing noise control and strength requirements.
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 approach effectively reduces noise energy radiated outside the apparatus by up to 2.2 dB, improving acoustic attenuation without increasing the device's size or weight, while maintaining structural strength.
Implementation Method 1
has an opening for allowing sound that is radiated from the internal device to the exterior member and reflected, to transmit toward the apparatus main body
Data Source
AI summary
In an image forming apparatus, a frame as an interior member is provided so as to oppose an exterior cover as an exterior member for controlling noise from an apparatus main body. An opening that is made up of a number of aperture regions is provided for allowing sound that is radiated to the exterior cover and reflected, to transmit toward the apparatus main body. By providing an opening in the frame or the like, it is possible to reduce noise energy radiated outside the apparatus in a simple manner.