Outer Cover Positioning Structure for Uniform Printer Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face issues with maintaining uniform gaps between outer covers, leading to a degraded outer appearance due to differences in gaps caused by deformation from the weight of mounted devices and user operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a common positioning portion on the first outer cover, with corresponding positioning portions on the second and third outer covers, ensures that both gaps are defined by a single common positioning mechanism, reducing the likelihood of gap differences even under deformation from weight or user force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent positioning portions are used for each outer cover, then each outer cover can be positioned relative to the first outer cover, but gap differences occur between outer covers when forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent positioning portions into a single common positioning portion that simultaneously positions both the second and third outer covers relative to the first outer cover. This merging ensures that when forces are applied (such as the weight of the image reading device or user operation), the positioning structure deforms uniformly, maintaining consistent gap distances between all outer covers and preventing gap differences that would occur with independent positioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If a common positioning portion is used for both outer covers, then gap uniformity is maintained under deformation, but the positioning structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The common positioning portion is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it positions both the second outer cover and the third outer cover relative to the first outer cover, and it maintains uniform gap distances for both covers even when subjected to different forces. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each outer cover, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while ensuring consistent positioning accuracy.
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.