Multifunction Printer Support Structure for Variable Panel Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction printers require multiple types of housing components to accommodate operation panels of different sizes, leading to storage challenges and difficulty in responding to unexpected changes in production plans.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction printer design that includes a support part with a first and second support part to secure the panel housing, allowing operation panels of varying sizes to be integrated with a single upper housing without connecting the panel housing, reducing the number of required housing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If at least a part of the panel housing is formed to be integrated with the upper housing, then strength to withstand pressing force is ensured, but the number of housing components increases and storage space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is divided into a first support part fixed to the panel housing and a second support part fixed to the lower housing, allowing the panel housing to be supported without integrating it with the upper housing. This segmentation enables the panel housing to be a separate component while still providing sufficient strength support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of upper housing components are designed for different operation panel sizes, then adaptability to different panel sizes is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upper housing is designed as a universal component that can accommodate operation panels of different sizes. The panel housing with the support part serves as the adaptive element rather than the upper housing, allowing a single upper housing design to work with multiple panel sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part configuration allows for adaptability through the relationship between the first and second support parts, enabling the same upper housing to support different panel sizes while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If the front end of the connection part supports the panel housing, then strength is provided, but multiple connection part types are needed for different panel sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented from the connection part to a dedicated support part structure. The connection part focuses on connecting the upper and lower housings, while the support part (first and second support parts) provides the support function, allowing standardization of the connection part across different panel sizes.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction printer includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, an image reading unit configured to read an image of a document, an operation panel configured to receive an operation, a lower housing configured to house the image forming unit, an upper housing configured to house the image reading unit, the upper housing being located above the lower housing, a panel housing configured to house the operation panel, the panel housing being located above the lower housing and located in front of the upper housing, a connection part connecting the lower housing to the upper housing, and a support part configured to support the panel housing, the support part being located between the lower housing and the panel housing in an upward-and-downward direction, the support part being located in front of the upper housing and the connection part.