Joint Cover Recess Design for Image Reading Unit Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses with a joint cover have a grip portion that can flex, causing strain which negatively affects the image reading unit due to low mechanical strength.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a joint member and cover member configuration, featuring first and second recesses forming a grip portion with enhanced mechanical strength, preventing flexing and strain that could impact the image reading unit, and integrating the side cover as a printer cover to reduce parts and improve design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grip portion is formed by depressing part of the joint cover inwardly, then the image forming apparatus can be easily carried, but the mechanical strength of the grip portion becomes low causing flexing and strain that negatively affects the image reading unit
Solution Approach 1:
The joint cover is divided into multiple parts: a first joint cover portion forming the grip portion with first recesses for finger insertion, and a second joint cover portion covering the image reading unit. This segmentation allows the grip portion to be independently designed for portability while the second portion provides structural support to prevent flexing and strain on the image reading unit.
2Ease of operation
If the joint cover is designed with a grip portion, then carrying convenience is improved, but the design complexity and part count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The joint cover integrates multiple functions into a single component: it connects the image forming unit and image reading unit, provides a grip portion for portability, and serves as a protective cover. The first and second joint cover portions are positioned and fixed together to form an integrated structure that reduces overall part count while maintaining carrying convenience.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium; an image reading unit that reads the image entered on an original and is disposed upwardly of the image forming unit; a joint member that connects the image forming unit and the image reading unit, the joint member including a first recess depressed toward a space formed between the image forming unit and the image reading unit; and a cover member including: a lower side fixed to the image forming unit; an upper side extending toward the image reading unit for covering the first recess; and a second recess depressed toward the first recess so as to follow the shape of the first recess.