Reinforcing Member Cable Orientation for Image Forming System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-sized image forming systems with multiple connected optional apparatuses, users face operability issues due to the need to frequently move between optional apparatuses and the operation unit, and there is a risk of cable disconnection between the operation unit and the image forming apparatus, especially if the operation unit is dropped.
Innovation Solution
The image forming system incorporates a reinforcing member along the cable, with fixed parts on the housing and operation unit, where the distance between the fixed parts on the reinforcing member is shorter than on the cable, and the reinforcing member is designed to minimize resistance to horizontal movement, reducing the risk of cable disconnection and maintaining user operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable connects the operation unit and the image forming apparatus to allow movable placement, then user operability is improved, but the cable may be disconnected if the operation unit is dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a flexible cable with a rigid reinforcing member. The cable provides flexibility for user movement, while the reinforcing member (made of rigid material) integrated within the cable structure provides mechanical strength to prevent disconnection upon impact or dropping, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing member acts as a preventive measure built into the cable structure before any damage occurs. By incorporating this strength-enhancing element in advance, the system prepares for potential dropping or pulling forces, ensuring the cable maintains its connection reliability even under unexpected stress conditions.
2Reliability
If a strengthened coating is applied to the cable to prevent disconnection, then cable reliability is improved, but the coating hinders user movement and deteriorates operability
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly strengthening the entire cable with a coating that would restrict movement, the patent applies local quality by placing a rigid reinforcing member only in specific strategic locations along the cable. This localized reinforcement provides necessary strength to prevent disconnection at critical points while leaving other portions of the cable flexible and easy to handle, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the operation unit is placed remotely from the image forming apparatus, then user operability is improved, but the cable is more prone to disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing member serves as a preventive structural element built into the cable before it is subjected to remote placement stresses. This pre-built reinforcement compensates for the increased vulnerability of longer cable runs, allowing the operation unit to be placed remotely for improved operability while maintaining connection reliability through the embedded rigid structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A first fixing part of a reinforcing member is fixed to a housing such that a weak-axis, where a second moment of area in a cross section of the reinforcing member in the first fixing part is minimum, intersects with a top surface, which reduces deterioration of user operability while a risk of disconnection of a cable connecting an operation unit and an image forming apparatus to each other is reduced.