Three-Point Printer Support With Tilting Extension Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The distortion of the image forming apparatus frame due to poor flatness of the supporting surface, which is exacerbated when the extension unit with four or more feet is clamped to the image forming apparatus, leading to potential frame distortion and image defects.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a first unit supported at three points and a second unit below it, with a connecting portion that allows for inclination, reducing the likelihood of frame distortion by distributing the load and allowing for attitude adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the extension unit is clamped to the image forming apparatus at multiple points to prevent separation, then the stability and connection between units is improved, but the frame distortion of the image forming apparatus is worsened due to distortion of the extension unit frame
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful distortion from the system by allowing the extension unit to be supported by only one foot on the disposing surface, thereby isolating the distortion problem to the extension unit alone and preventing it from being transmitted to the image forming apparatus frame through multiple clamping points
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion acts as an intermediary between the image forming apparatus and the extension unit, providing a connection that allows relative movement and inclination to accommodate frame distortion without transmitting harmful forces to the image forming apparatus
2Stability of the object's composition
If the extension unit is provided with four or more feet to improve stability on the disposing surface, then the stability of the extension unit is improved, but the frame distortion of the extension unit is worsened when the disposing surface is uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the distortion problem from the critical image forming apparatus by concentrating all four feet of the extension unit on one side, allowing the extension unit frame to distort without affecting the image forming apparatus geometric accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing four feet only at one end of the extension unit rather than distributing them evenly, creating an asymmetric support structure that localizes the distortion to a non-critical area
3Manufacturing precision
If the image forming apparatus is supported at three points to reduce frame distortion, then the geometric accuracy is improved, but the connection stability with the extension unit is worsened due to insufficient clamping points
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the support function by separating the three-point support (for geometric accuracy) from the four-foot support (for stability), with the extension unit providing both functions independently
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: a first unit including an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording material; a first supporting portion for supporting the first unit at three points consisting of a first foot provided adjacent to a side of a bottom of the first unit, a second foot, and a third foot provided adjacent to an opposite side of the bottom; a second unit provided below the first unit; a second supporting portion, provided at a bottom of the second unit, for supporting the second unit by at least four foots; and a connecting portion for connecting the first unit and the second unit with respect to an up-down direction so that the opposite side of the bottom of the first unit is inclined depending on inclination of the side of the bottom of the first unit with respect to a horizontal surface.