Outer Cover Positioning Structure for Uniform Gap Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with maintaining uniform gaps between outer covers due to deformation caused by the weight of mounted devices and user operations, leading to a degradation of the outer appearance.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a common positioning portion on the first outer cover to align both the second and third outer covers, with cap-shaped positioning portions on these covers to maintain consistent gaps, and a shorter distance from the first outer cover to the common positioning portion to reduce deformation effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If independent positioning portions are used for each outer cover, then the positioning structure is simple, but the gaps between outer covers become non-uniform when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single common positioning portion that positions both the second and third outer covers relative to the first outer cover. This unified positioning structure ensures that when force is applied to any outer cover, the deformation is distributed uniformly, maintaining consistent gaps between all outer covers while preserving structural simplicity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distance from the first outer cover to the common positioning portion is increased, then the positioning stability is improved, but the deformation effect is amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the first outer cover and the common positioning portion to achieve a balance between positioning stability and deformation control. By carefully selecting this distance, the structure achieves sufficient positioning stability while minimizing the amplification of deformation effects that would otherwise cause non-uniform gaps between outer covers.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material includes a first outer cover, a second outer cover adjacent to the first outer cover, a third outer cover adjacent to both of the first outer cover and the second outer cover, a common positioning portion provided on the first outer cover and configured to position both of the second outer cover and the third outer cover relative to the first outer cover, a first positioned portion provided on the second outer cover and configured to be positioned relative to the common positioning portion, and a second positioned portion provided on the third outer cover and configured to be positioned together with the first positioned portion relative to the common positioning portion.