Printer Case Pillar Integration for Weight and Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in achieving weight reduction while maintaining sufficient rigidity, particularly due to the need for a strong connection between the base plate and pillars, and the formation of apertures for sheet feeding cartridges which compromise rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a case body with four pillars and a conveying frame that forms a sheet conveying path, where the conveying frame has vertical column-shaped projections integrated with the pillars, enhancing rigidity and allowing for weight reduction by eliminating the need for a conventional bottom plate and using resin materials for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If the bottom plate is reduced in weight, then weight reduction of the case body is achieved, but rigidity of the case body is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The case body is divided into modular components: a bottom plate, four pillars, and side plates. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the bottom plate can be lightweight while the pillars provide structural rigidity through their specific arrangements and connection structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The case body employs composite construction combining a bottom plate with multiple pillars and side plates. This composite structure achieves both weight reduction (through optimized bottom plate design) and rigidity enhancement (through the pillar-supported side plate configuration).
2Ease of operation
If an aperture is formed in the front side plate for sheet feeding cartridge attachment, then ease of operation is improved, but rigidity of the front side plate is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The front side plate serves as an intermediary component that bridges the aperture region (for cartridge access) and the pillar support structures. The pillars positioned at corners and intermediate positions provide structural mediation, maintaining rigidity despite the aperture opening in the front side plate.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rectangular pipes are connected in a grid pattern to enhance rigidity, then rigidity of the case body is improved, but weight of the case body increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a continuous grid pattern of rectangular pipes, the structure is segmented into discrete pillars positioned at specific locations (four corners and intermediate positions). This segmentation eliminates unnecessary material while maintaining rigidity at critical support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The pillar arrangement provides localized rigidity enhancement at critical positions (corners and intermediate points) rather than uniform reinforcement throughout. The side plates are supported locally by pillars where needed, achieving rigidity without the weight penalty of a complete grid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus (1) includes a case body (3) having a hollow space (2) in which a sheet storing part (6) and an image forming part (7) are to be housed. The case body (3) has four pillars (31), (32), (33), (34) and a conveying frame (39). The four pillars (31), (32), (33), (34) are respectively disposed at four corners of the hollow space (2). The conveying frame (39) is disposed between adjacent two pillars (32), (34) of the four pillars (31), (32), (33), (34) and configured to form a conveying path (36) of a sheet from the sheet storing part (6) to the image forming part (7). The conveying frame (39) has at least one vertical column-shaped projection (61) on a pillar side end face. The vertical column-shaped projection (61) is integrally coupled to the pillar (32).