Image Forming Apparatus Cover for Sheet Cassette Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses can be improperly installed due to the protruding sheet cassette and cassette cover being difficult to visually recognize, leading to interference with walls and potential damage or improper insertion.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus features a cover member that pivots to cover the protruding portion of the sheet storage, allowing the sheet storage portion to be drawn from the apparatus body, and an upper unit that pivots to facilitate access, with the cover member's edge positioned to avoid interference with walls, ensuring proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the sheet cassette is designed to protrude from the back side of the casing when expanded, then the sheet storage capacity is improved, but the visual recognizability of the protruding portion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by making the cover member transparent or translucent, allowing users to visually recognize the protruding sheet cassette through the cover. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining the protruding design for storage capacity while improving visual recognizability through material transparency.
2Volume of stationary object
If the protruding portion and cassette cover are positioned on the back side in a lower portion, then the internal space utilization is improved, but the risk of interference with walls during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the edge of the cover member higher than the maximum protruding position of the upper unit, preventing potential interference with walls before installation occurs. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining compact internal space while preemptively eliminating installation interference risks.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the cassette cover covers the protruding portion completely, then the protection of internal components is improved, but the visual recognition of the protruding portion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using transparent or translucent material for the cover member, which simultaneously provides protection for internal components while allowing visual recognition of the protruding sheet cassette. This resolves the contradiction by making the cover member material transparent to achieve both protection and visibility.
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 enables easier and more accurate installation by allowing users to visually recognize key components, reducing the risk of interference with walls and preventing damage, thus ensuring normal operation and longevity of the apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an upper unit disposed on a top portion of the apparatus body, the upper unit being configured to pivot around an axis that intersects the first direction and move between a closed position and an open position
Implementation Method 2
a cover member configured to move between a first position and a second position, the first position being a position in which the cover member covers at least a part of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, a sheet storage portion configured to be attached to a lower portion of the apparatus body toward a first direction, an upper unit disposed on a top portion of the apparatus body, the upper unit being configured to pivot around an axis that intersects the first direction and move between a closed position and an open position, and a cover member configured to move between a first position and a second position. An edge portion of the cover member in the first direction in a case where the cover member is located in the second position is positioned in a second direction relative to a most protruding position to which an edge portion of the upper unit in the first direction protrudes to a maximum extent in the first direction.