Operation Unit Enhancement Member for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses are prone to malfunction of the operation unit due to pressure applied when lifting the device, which can deform or damage the electric circuit board, especially when users attempt to move the apparatus to a different location.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a frame assembly with enhancement members that distribute the uplifting force across the ejecting space, reducing the pressure on the operation unit and protecting the electric circuit board by connecting the first and second enhancement members to the lateral frames, thereby enhancing the rigidity and grounding of the operation unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation unit is arranged in an upper position to form an upper edge of the pickup opening, then the user can easily access the ejecting space, but the electric circuit board in the operation unit may be deformed or damaged when the user lifts the apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an enhancement member as an intermediary structural element between the operation unit and the frame assembly. This enhancement member acts as a mediator that distributes the lifting force away from the operation unit, allowing the operation unit to remain accessible while protecting it from damage during apparatus lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhancement member is pre-installed and integrated into the frame assembly before the operation unit is subjected to lifting forces. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when lifting occurs, the force distribution path is already established, preventing deformation of the electric circuit board before damage can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is configured to have an upper section to be vertically swingable for easier access, then the user can reach smaller-sized recording medium easily, but the structure becomes more complex and may introduce additional failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting force distribution function from the housing structure itself and relocates it to a dedicated enhancement member within the frame assembly. This separation allows the housing to remain simple and fixed, while the enhancement member handles the mechanical stress of lifting, reducing overall structural complexity.
3Device complexity
If the operation unit is positioned close to the upper edge of the pickup opening, then it forms a compact design, but it becomes vulnerable to pressure damage during lifting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The enhancement member serves as a protective intermediary that creates a mechanical separation between the lifting force and the operation unit. Even though the operation unit remains in its compact position near the upper edge, the enhancement member intercepts and redistributes the lifting forces through the frame assembly, protecting the electric circuit board from direct pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus to form an image on a recording medium is provided. The image forming apparatus includes a housing, an image forming unit, an image reader unit, an ejecting space to catch the recording medium, a pickup opening to expose the ejecting space, and a frame assembly to hold the image forming unit and the image reader unit. The housing includes an operation unit, which is configured to form an upper edge of the pickup opening. An enhancement member extending along a widthwise direction to bridge over the ejecting space is arranged in a lower position in the operation unit. The frame assembly includes a first support member and a second support member, which are arranged in widthwise ends of the ejecting space. The enhancement member is connected to the first support member and to the second support member at the widthwise ends thereof.