Resin Frame Metal Beam Rigidity Weight Trade-off
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with metal side frames are heavy due to their rigidity, and replacing them with resin frames reduces weight but compromises rigidity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a resin frame with integrated metal beams that are elongated and strategically positioned to enhance the rigidity of the image forming apparatus while maintaining a reduced weight, by overlapping the resin frame with metal beams that are fixed to its planar face and extending beyond the substrate supports, thereby distributing forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal side frames are used to support the image forming unit, then the rigidity of the frame is improved, but the weight of the image forming apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite frame structure combining resin and metal materials. The resin frame provides lightweight properties while metal beams are strategically positioned to enhance rigidity where needed. This composite approach allows the frame to achieve both low weight and high rigidity characteristics that neither material could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using metal throughout the entire frame structure, the patent applies metal beams only at specific locations where rigidity is most needed. The resin frame is used for the majority of the structure to minimize weight, while metal reinforcement is localized to critical support areas, optimizing the balance between weight and rigidity.
2Weight of stationary object
If resin side frames are used to reduce weight, then the weight of the image forming apparatus is reduced, but the rigidity of the frame deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resin frame provides lightweight properties while metal beams are strategically positioned to enhance rigidity where needed. This composite approach allows the frame to achieve both low weight and high rigidity characteristics that neither material could provide alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metal beams as a third dimension of structural support within the resin frame. By adding this dimensional element of metal reinforcement, the structure gains rigidity without compromising the lightweight advantage of the resin frame.
3Strength
If metal beams are added to enhance rigidity, then the rigidity of the frame is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using metal throughout the entire frame structure, the patent applies metal beams only at specific locations where rigidity is most needed. The resin frame is used for the majority of the structure to minimize weight, while metal reinforcement is localized to critical support areas, optimizing the balance between weight and rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is segmented into distinct resin and metal components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of each component while achieving complex overall structural requirements through the combination of parts.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit comprising a photosensitive drum configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis and a developer device configured to supply a developer agent to the photosensitive drum; a first frame made of a resin and formed in a shape of a plate, while the first frame is arranged on one end, along an axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, of the image forming unit; and a first beam made of a metal and formed in an elongated shape, while the first beam is arranged along and fixed to a planar face of the first frame, is provided. The first beam is arranged to overlap the image forming unit at a longitudinal central part thereof, when projected along the axial direction, while longitudinal ends of the first beam are arranged on outer sides of the image forming unit.