Sensor Unit Snap-Fit Attachment for Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly process for image forming apparatuses with screw-fixed sensor units is labor-intensive and difficult to streamline, as it requires a time-consuming screwing process.
Innovation Solution
An improved attaching configuration for the sensor unit, featuring projections and engagement parts that allow elastic deformation to increase contact surface pressure, enabling secure attachment without screws, thus reducing assembly time and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor unit is fixed to a main body with screws, then the attachment strength and reliability are improved, but the assembling time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a projection-based elastic deformation system. The projection (39) undergoes elastic deformation when engaged with the engagement part (35), creating a snap-fit mechanism that eliminates the need for screws while maintaining attachment reliability. This substitution of mechanical systems directly addresses the contradiction by removing the time-consuming screwing process while preserving secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change mechanism. The projection (39) is designed to deform elastically during the engagement process with the engagement part (35), allowing for easy assembly while maintaining strong attachment. This parameter change approach enables the structure to transition from a rigid fixed state during assembly to a stable locked state during operation, resolving the time-reliability contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If a screw-based fixing system is used for the sensor unit, then the attachment precision is maintained, but the assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the multi-step screw-based fastening process with a single-action projection engagement mechanism. The projection (39) simply needs to be engaged with the engagement part (35), eliminating the need for screwdrivers, fasteners, and multiple assembly steps. This substitution maintains positioning precision while dramatically reducing assembly process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the screw-based fastening components (screws, screwholes, fastening mechanisms) from the sensor unit assembly. By taking out these complex elements and replacing them with integrated projection and engagement parts, the design achieves simpler assembly while preserving the necessary precision through the elastic deformation mechanism.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional screw fixation is used for the sensor unit, then the structural stability is ensured, but the production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming screw assembly process with a rapid projection engagement mechanism. The projection (39) engages with the engagement part (35) through elastic deformation, allowing for quick assembly without the need for threaded fasteners. This substitution maintains structural stability while significantly improving assembly productivity by reducing the number of operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection (39) and engagement part (35) are pre-designed with complementary geometries that enable automatic alignment and engagement during assembly. The elastic deformation characteristic is built into the projection structure beforehand, allowing it to deform and lock into place in a single action, thereby preparing the system for rapid assembly while ensuring stable structural composition.
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 allows for precise and efficient attachment of the sensor unit to the image forming apparatus, reducing man-hours and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining high precision.
Implementation Method 1
at least one engagement part provided on one of the sensor unit and the frame, the at least one engagement part being formed to engage with at least one catching part provided on an other of the sensor unit and the frame and to press the at least one projection in a direction of increasing a contact surface pressure of the contacting part by causing elastic deformation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image formation unit configured to form an image on a sheet; a sensor unit having a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device; a frame to which the sensor unit is attached; at least one projection provided on one of the sensor unit and the frame, the at least one projection being formed to have a contacting part which projects to contact an other of the sensor unit and the frame; and at least one engagement part provided on one of the sensor unit and the frame, the at least one engagement part being formed to engage with at least one catching part provided on an other of the sensor unit and the frame and to press the at least one projection in a direction of increasing a contact surface pressure of the contacting part by causing elastic deformation.