Metal-Resin Frame Assembly for Stable Image Forming Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in securely attaching metal and resin components, leading to potential separation and limitations in assembly sequence and material selection due to methods like welding and screw fastening.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a framework where metal side plates are secured with deformable connecting members, and a resin frame is sandwiched between them, using protrusions and holes with screws for releasable attachment, allowing for enhanced stability and flexibility in assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding or screw fastening is used to attach metal and resin components, then the attachment strength is improved, but the assembly process becomes complex and heat or sparks are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidassembly process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is divided into two distinct portions: a metal portion that attaches to metal components and a resin portion that attaches to resin components. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific material, enabling secure attachment without complex welding or fastening processes across different material types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member itself is a composite structure combining metal and resin materials. This composite design allows the connecting member to bridge different material types (metal to resin) effectively, providing strong attachment while avoiding the need for welding or complex fastening procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If welding is used to secure metal components, then the structural stability is improved, but heat and sparks are generated causing safety concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidheat and sparks generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces thermal joining methods (welding) with mechanical attachment methods. The connecting member uses physical interference fits and geometric constraints to secure components, eliminating heat and sparks while maintaining structural stability through precise mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If screw fastening is used to attach components, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the assembly and disassembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is pre-designed with integrated attachment features including protrusions, recesses, and geometric constraints that automatically align and secure components upon assembly. This preliminary design eliminates the need for time-consuming screw fastening operations while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If traditional metal-to-resin attachment methods are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the material selection and assembly sequence are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmaterial selection flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables attachment between different material types (metal to resin), allows for adjustable configurations, and facilitates easy assembly and disassembly. This universal design greatly enhances material selection flexibility and assembly sequence options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures secure attachment without generating heat or sparks, reduces part costs, and allows for easier disassembly, improving assembly flexibility and material selection while maintaining rigidity.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the first side plate and the first connecting member is deformed to form the first securing portion, and at least one of the second side plate and the first connecting member is deformed to form the second securing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS12487553B2Image forming apparatus includes metal and resin components with enhanced stability and functionality

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 CANON KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a first side plate, a second side plate, a first connecting member, the first connecting member being secured to the first side plate at a first securing portion and being secured to the second side plate at a second securing portion, and a frame, the frame being sandwiched between the first side plate and the second side plate and being secured to the first side plate and the second side plate. At least one of the first side plate and the first connecting member is deformed to form the first securing portion, and at least one of the second side plate and the first connecting member is deformed to form the second securing portion.