Printer Casing Frame Layout for Lower Weight and Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses are heavy due to the use of heavy metal pillars and side plates, making them cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is redesigned with a casing that includes a first frame, a second frame, a side cover, and a top cover, featuring pillar portions that overlap and support each other vertically, reducing the weight and improving structural integrity while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal pillars and side plates are used to form the frame structure, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction by combining resin materials for the frame structure with metal materials for the pillar portions. The resin frame provides basic structural support and cost-effectiveness, while the metal pillar portions reinforce critical load-bearing areas. This composite approach achieves sufficient structural strength while significantly reducing overall weight compared to fully metal constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by using metal materials specifically for the pillar portions rather than the entire frame structure. The resin frame is used for non-critical areas where full metal strength is not required, while metal pillar portions are strategically placed at locations needing enhanced strength and stability. This localized metal reinforcement achieves the necessary structural integrity with minimal weight penalty.
2Stability of the object's composition
If metal pillars and side plates are used to form the frame structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to reduce manufacturing cost while maintaining structural stability. The resin frame portions are cost-effective and easier to manufacture, while the metal pillar portions provide necessary stability reinforcement. This combination achieves sufficient structural stability at a lower manufacturing cost than fully metal constructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using metal materials only where structural stability is critical (pillar portions) while using more cost-effective resin materials for the remaining frame structure. This selective material application maintains necessary stability in key areas while significantly reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Weight of moving object
If resin covers are used to form pillar structures, then the weight and cost are reduced, but the stiffness may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the stiffness limitation of resin by creating a composite structure where resin covers form the basic pillar shape and weight reduction, while embedded metal reinforcement elements provide the necessary stiffness and structural strength. This composite approach achieves both weight reduction and sufficient stiffness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by combining resin materials for the frame structure with metal materials for the pillar portions. The resin frame provides basic structural support and cost-effectiveness, while the metal pillar portions reinforce critical load-bearing areas. This composite approach achieves sufficient structural strength while significantly reducing overall weight compared to fully metal constructions.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including an image bearing member, and a casing on which a discharge port is formed, the casing including a first frame, a second frame disposed below the first frame in a vertical direction, a side cover, and a top cover, the first frame including a side plate that supports an end, in a longitudinal direction, of the image bearing member. At least one of the top cover and the first frame includes a first pillar portion. The second frame includes a second pillar portion. The side cover includes a third pillar portion disposed between the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion in the vertical direction, the third pillar portion being provided at a position at least partially overlapping with the first pillar portion and the second pillar portion when viewed in the vertical direction.