Segmented Frame Flame Retardancy Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost of using a flame retardant resin material for the main body frame in image forming apparatuses, which increases the overall cost of the device.
Innovation Solution
A frame structure composed of a first part made from flame retardant resin and a second part with lower flame retardancy, combined with a fan to generate airflow through a through-hole, reducing the need for extensive use of costly flame retardant materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the main body frame is made entirely from flame retardant resin material, then flame retardancy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main body frame is divided into multiple parts: the first part (ambient portion) is made from flame retardant resin to provide fire safety near power supply components, while the second part is made from ordinary resin to reduce overall cost. This segmentation allows selective application of expensive flame retardant material only where needed for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the frame are assigned different material properties based on their functional requirements. The ambient portion surrounding power supply components uses flame retardant resin for safety, while other portions use cost-effective ordinary resin, achieving local optimization of both safety and cost.
2Reliability
If the frame is made entirely from flame retardant resin, then safety is improved, but volume of expensive material required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into a first part requiring flame retardancy for safety and a second part where ordinary resin suffices. This reduces the total volume of expensive flame retardant material while maintaining safety in critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Flame retardant material is applied locally only to the ambient portion where safety is critical, rather than uniformly throughout the entire frame, thereby reducing the quantity of expensive substance required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces the cost of the frame while maintaining flame retardancy, allowing for a more compact and efficient design of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The fan is configured to generate an airflow directed from the power supply to the through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
An electric apparatus includes a casing, a power supply, a frame, and a fan. The power supply is accommodated in the casing, and includes a power supply board and a power supply component mounted on a mounting surface of the power supply board. The frame is disposed outward of the power supply within the casing. The frame is formed with a through-hole extending therethrough, and has a first part and a second part. The first part is made from a flame retardant resin, and constitutes at least a part of the ambient portion surrounding the through-hole. The at least a part of the ambient portion is positioned at a side the same as the power supply component with respect to the mounting surface. At least a part of the second part is made from a material having flame retardancy lower than that of the flame retardant resin.