Rear Casing Recess for Electrical Component Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently cooling electrical components, particularly those located at the rear of the casing, due to long cooling air flow paths and space constraints, which can lead to reduced cooling efficiency and potential overheating issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recess on the casing to accommodate a voltage source input on the wall surface and an air vent opening for air flow, allowing for efficient cooling of internal components by shortening the air flow path and improving space utilization, while maintaining the apparatus's compact size and aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the casing size is limited for downsizing, then the disposition space efficiency is improved, but the air path for cooling becomes insufficient and heat stagnation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The air vent opening is positioned at the rear surface of the casing, utilizing the depth dimension rather than increasing external footprint. This allows the cooling air path to extend into the internal depth of the casing, effectively cooling rear-side electrical components without increasing the overall volume or external dimensions of the apparatus.
2Temperature
If the suction opening is provided at the front side, then the image forming process device is cooled efficiently, but the flow path length to reach rear-side electrical parts becomes long and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple air vent openings positioned at different locations (front side and rear side). This segmentation allows cooling air to be supplied to different regions simultaneously, with the rear-side opening directly cooling electrical components while the front-side opening cools the image forming process device, thereby reducing the effective cooling path length for rear components.
Solution Approach 2:
The air vent opening is positioned at the rear surface of the casing, utilizing the depth dimension rather than increasing external footprint. This allows the cooling air path to extend into the internal depth of the casing, effectively cooling rear-side electrical components without increasing the overall volume or external dimensions of the apparatus.
3Productivity
If the air vent opening is provided in a recessed portion, then the suction efficiency is improved, but the inside space is reduced and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rear surface of the casing serves multiple functions: it acts as the external surface of the apparatus, provides structural support, and simultaneously houses the air vent opening for cooling. By integrating the ventilation function into the existing rear surface structure rather than creating a separate recessed portion, the design achieves effective cooling air intake without sacrificing internal space or increasing overall apparatus dimensions.
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 ensures effective cooling of electrical circuits and components, preventing overheating and maintaining the apparatus's efficiency and durability, even when installed close to a wall, without compromising the exterior design or increasing the device's size.
Implementation Method 1
an air vent opening formed in a wall surface of said recess for permitting air flow between an inside and an outside to cool an inside of said casing
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming station configured to form an image on a recording material; an electric circuit configured to operate the image forming station; a casing configured to accommodate the electric circuit; a recess provided on the casing; a voltage source input portion provided on a wall surface of the recess and configured to supply electric power to the electric circuit from an outside of the casing; and an air vent opening formed in a wall surface of the recess for permitting air flow between an inside and an outside to cool an inside of the casing.