Reinforcement Plates for Notched Resin Support in Image Formers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Internal sheet-discharge type image forming apparatuses face reduced coupling strength between the scanning device and printer due to notched support members, leading to potential damage from shocks during transportation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating metal first and second reinforcement plates fixed to the printer and scanning device, respectively, which extend vertically along the notched resin support member to enhance coupling strength and absorb shocks without interfering with each other, thus protecting the scanning device from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a part of the support member is notched to enable easy sheet removal, then sheet discharge ease is improved, but coupling strength between the scanning device and printer is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet discharge easeVSAvoidcoupling strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented by introducing a notch that divides it into multiple portions, allowing the sheet discharge tray to be easily removed while maintaining overall structural integrity through the divided configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is constructed using composite material comprising a resin base material reinforced with metal reinforcement plates, combining the ease of resin molding for the notched structure with the high strength of metal to maintain coupling strength despite the notch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If the support area is reduced by notching, then sheet discharge accessibility is improved, but shock resistance of the scanning device is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesheet discharge accessibilityVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member uses a composite structure with resin and metal reinforcement plates, where the metal plates provide high shock resistance to protect the scanning device while the notched resin structure maintains sheet discharge accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The metal reinforcement plates are positioned in advance at critical locations of the support member to provide shock absorption and protection before actual shock occurs during transportation, preventing damage to the scanning device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10951784B2Image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a printer having a sheet discharge tray, a scanning device disposed above the printer, a resin-made support member supporting the scanning device on the printer and defining a sheet discharge space above the sheet discharge tray between the printer and the scanning device, a metal-made first reinforcement plate fixed to the printer and the support member, and a metal-made second reinforcement plate fixed to the scanning device and the support member. The support member has a notched part formed to communicate the sheet discharge space with an outside in a direction intersecting a sheet discharge direction on the sheet discharge tray. The first reinforcement plate extends at least in a vertical direction along the notched part. The second reinforcement plate, which is not coupled with the first reinforcement plate, extends at least in the vertical direction along the notched part.