Scanner Frame Sagging Prevention via Connecting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses with cantilever support structures for scanner frames often experience sagging and distortion due to unsupported corners, leading to potential degradation in reading accuracy and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a connecting member that includes a horizontal and vertical support member, with an insertion plate penetrating through openings in the scanner frame's side plate and vertical support member, providing additional support and preventing sagging by distributing load across multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cantilever support structure is used for the scanner frame, then the sheet delivery space is open and accessible, but the scanner frame sags and distorts due to unsupported portions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete support frames positioned at specific locations (upstream side and rear side) rather than continuous support, allowing the sheet delivery space to remain open while providing targeted structural support at critical points to prevent sagging
Solution Approach 2:
The support frames extend in multiple directions (front-back direction and upstream-downstream direction) to provide two-dimensional support coverage, creating a stable framework that prevents scanner frame distortion while maintaining three-dimensional accessibility of the sheet delivery space
2Device complexity
If the scanner frame is supported at only two locations, then the structure is simple, but the frame distorts due to insufficient support points
Solution Approach 1:
Each support frame is segmented into multiple support members (first and second support members in front-back direction, first and second support members in upstream-downstream direction), creating multiple discrete support points that distribute the scanner frame weight and prevent distortion at critical locations
Solution Approach 2:
Support members are positioned at specific critical locations (adjacent to sheet delivery space at upstream side and rear side) where the scanner frame is most susceptible to sagging, providing localized reinforcement exactly where needed to maintain reading accuracy without adding unnecessary complexity elsewhere
3Stability of the object's composition
If support members are positioned adjacent to the sheet delivery space, then the scanner frame stability is improved, but the sheet delivery space becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses discrete, localized support frames positioned at the periphery of the sheet delivery space rather than continuous support across the entire area, providing scanner frame stability while leaving the central sheet delivery space open and accessible for sheet movement
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing frame, a scanner frame, a first support frame, a second support frame, and a connecting member. The second support frame supports the scanner frame. The second support frame includes a horizontal support member and a vertical support member. The scanner frame includes a member to be connected. The insertion plate of the connecting member penetrates through the opening of the member to be connected in the first direction, and is inserted through the opening of the vertical support member. The insertion plate has an upper face located in contact with an upper end face of the opening of the member to be connected, at least via one position, and has a lower face located in contact with a lower end face of the opening of the vertical support member, at least via two positions spaced from each other in the second direction.