Door Positioning Mechanism for Laser Printer Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laser printers face challenges in accurately positioning the door relative to the main casing due to mechanical play in the hinge mechanism, leading to a large level difference and a degraded external appearance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hinge mechanism with a biasing member and positioning members that contact the door from both horizontal and vertical directions, ensuring precise alignment and increased pressure on contact areas to maintain accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is used to attach the door to the main casing, then the door can swing open and close, but the mechanical play in the hinge mechanism causes the door to be easily displaced from the predetermined position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning members as intermediary elements between the door and main casing. These positioning members mediate the connection by providing precise contact points that constrain the door's position, compensating for the mechanical play in the hinge mechanism while maintaining the swing operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the door positioning system by introducing a biasing member that applies elastic force. This transforms the positioning from a passive mechanical connection to an active constrained system where the biasing force maintains consistent contact pressure between the positioning members and the door, ensuring high positioning accuracy.
2Device complexity
If the door is easily displaced from the predetermined position, then the hinge mechanism has mechanical play, but this causes a large level difference between outer surfaces of the main casing and the closed door
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members act as intermediary elements that restore the flush appearance between the door and main casing. By providing precise contact points that eliminate gaps and level differences, these intermediaries maintain the external appearance quality without requiring a completely redesigned hinge mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning members are added to contact the door from multiple directions, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function into multiple independent positioning members, each responsible for constraining the door in specific directions. This segmentation allows each member to be simple in structure while collectively achieving high positioning accuracy through multi-directional contact, rather than requiring a single complex positioning mechanism.
4Reliability
If a biasing member is introduced to increase pressure on contact areas, then positioning stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the force parameter of the positioning system by introducing a biasing member. This simple elastic element continuously applies pressure to maintain optimal contact force between the positioning members and the door, transforming the positioning from a static to a dynamically stable system without complex control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for high-accuracy positioning of the door, preventing rattling and ensuring smooth operation, while maintaining a compact size without the need for additional elastic members, thus enhancing the external appearance and usability of the laser printer.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that exerts elastic force on the door in a direction to increase contact pressure between the door and the first to third contacting parts
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming device includes a main body and a door. The main body is provided with first and second contacting parts and an abutting surface. When the door is closed, the first and second contacting parts contact a door frame of the door, thereby determining the horizontal position of the door with respect to the main body. Also a vertical positioning stopper formed to the door frame abuts the abutting surface from above, thereby determining the vertical position of the door with respect to the main body. Further, a reactive force generated at a lock mechanism and an urging force of a spring increase a pressure to contact areas of the door with the first and second contacting parts and the abutting surface.