Scanner Casing Reinforcement for Multifunction Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the rigidity of the casing when heavy documents are placed on the scanner unit's platen glass, leading to potential deformation or damage due to the weight and pressure applied, and the existing solutions like honeycomb structures can interfere with the discharge tray's operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a recessed recording medium removal opening on the bottom plate with a reinforcing portion that is curved inward to enhance the rigidity of the casing, allowing it to support heavy loads without deforming and preventing interference with the discharge tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the discharge tray is disposed below the scanner unit to downsize the installation space, then the vertical arrangement is compacted, but the casing rigidity is insufficient to support heavy documents
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion extends in the width direction (horizontal dimension) to provide structural support, transforming the problem from a vertical load-bearing issue to a horizontal reinforcement solution that prevents deformation without increasing vertical height
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion has a curved surface that is swollen toward the internal space, using curvature to distribute and resist the applied load more effectively than a flat structure, thereby enhancing casing rigidity against heavy documents
2Strength
If a honeycomb structure is used to increase casing rigidity, then the strength is improved, but the discharge tray operation is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a comprehensive honeycomb structure throughout, the reinforcing portion is locally positioned only in the specific area where strength is needed (the bottom plate region supporting heavy documents), providing targeted reinforcement without interfering with the discharge tray's movement path
3Volume of moving object
If the scanner unit and printer unit are disposed one above the other to downsize installation space, then the vertical compactness is improved, but the load on the platen glass and casing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing portion extends in the width direction to provide lateral support against the vertical load, distributing the force from heavy documents across a broader structural base rather than concentrating it on the platen glass alone
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction apparatus is provided with a printer unit having a discharge tray disposed on a top face thereof and a scanner unit disposed on the image recording unit with a space being defined between the image reading unit and the discharge tray. The scanner unit has a casing. The casing is provided in the printer unit rotatably about a rear side of the apparatus in such a fashion as to open a front side of the apparatus. The casing has a recessed part formed at a position of a bottom plate thereof and corresponding to the discharge tray. Thus, a recording sheet removal opening opened on a front side of the apparatus is formed. A reinforcing portion recessed in such a fashion as to be swollen toward an internal space of the casing is formed on the bottom plate having the recessed part.