Scanner Hinge Protection via Contact Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Middle ejection type image forming apparatuses face torsional deformation and potential damage to hinge members when transported or subjected to horizontal displacement, as existing supporting mechanisms fail to prevent such displacement effectively.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates left and right storage boxes with protrusions that function as contact members to reduce damage to printer-side and scanner-side hinges by absorbing external forces applied perpendicular to the opening/closing direction, utilizing positioning bosses and damper supporting plates to maintain hinge stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a supporting member is interposed between the image forming unit and the scanner unit to prevent torsional deformation, then the stability of the apparatus is improved, but the harmful effect is that horizontal displacement cannot be prevented, leading to damage to the hinge members
Solution Approach 1:
A damper is introduced as an intermediary component between the scanner unit and the image forming unit. The damper absorbs horizontal displacement forces through damping action, preventing these forces from reaching and damaging the hinge members, while still allowing the supporting member to maintain vertical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The damper is positioned to beforehand cushion horizontal displacement forces before they can cause damage to the hinge members. By placing the damper in the force transmission path, it preemptively absorbs the harmful horizontal forces during transportation or operation
2Ease of operation
If the scanner unit is pivotally coupled to the image forming unit via hinge members to enable opening and closing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the hinge members become vulnerable to damage from horizontal displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The damper serves as a protective intermediary that shields the hinge members from horizontal displacement forces. This allows the hinge members to maintain their function for opening and closing operations while being protected from forces that would compromise their reliability
3Area of stationary object
If the middle ejection type configuration is used to decrease footprint, then the area of the apparatus is reduced, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to torsional deformation and potential hinge damage
Solution Approach 1:
The damper converts the harmful horizontal displacement forces into a beneficial damping action. By absorbing these forces, the damper transforms what would be harmful torsional deformation into a controlled energy dissipation process, protecting the scanner unit and hinge members while maintaining the compact middle ejection configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus configured to prevent damage to an opening/closing member when external force is applied in a direction perpendicular to a direction where a scanner unit is opened or closed with respect to an image forming unit.