Sheet Metal Positioning Unit for Stable Image Forming Apparatus Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in cost-effectively and reliably positioning units such as the image forming unit and fixing unit, which are typically made of sheet metal members, due to the need for precise alignment and stabilization without complex positioning mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs a positioning system where sheet metal members with projection pieces and protrusions are used, with the projection pieces being inserted into positioning holes to ensure accurate alignment and stabilization, utilizing a combination of bending and drawing processes to enhance rigidity and reduce costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If positioning protrusions are formed by half blanking on sheet metal members, then the positioning function is achieved, but the manufacturing precision and stability of positioning are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning protrusion is pre-formed on the sheet metal member before assembly, with the distal end extending beyond the sheet metal surface. This preliminary formation ensures that when the positioning protrusion engages with the positioning hole, stable and precise positioning is achieved without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning protrusion is designed as a separate functional element on the sheet metal member, with its distal end positioned to extend beyond the sheet metal surface. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be independently optimized while maintaining simplicity in the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the sheet metal member is thinned to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the rigidity and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsheet metal rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning protrusion is pre-formed on the sheet metal member before assembly, with the distal end extending beyond the sheet metal surface. This preliminary formation ensures that when the positioning protrusion engages with the positioning hole, stable and precise positioning is achieved without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning protrusion is designed as a separate functional element on the sheet metal member, with its distal end positioned to extend beyond the sheet metal surface. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be independently optimized while maintaining simplicity in the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If simple positioning structures are used to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the positioning precision and stability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning protrusion is pre-formed on the sheet metal member before assembly, with the distal end extending beyond the sheet metal surface. This preliminary formation ensures that when the positioning protrusion engages with the positioning hole, stable and precise positioning is achieved without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning protrusion is designed as a separate functional element on the sheet metal member, with its distal end positioned to extend beyond the sheet metal surface. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be independently optimized while maintaining simplicity in the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9746820B2Image forming apparatus that achieves stable positioning of unit

Publication Date: 2017.08.29 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body and a unit. The apparatus main body includes a positioning hole extending in a first direction intersecting with a mounting direction of the unit, and a pair of first inner edges extending in the first direction. The unit includes a sheet metal member and a positioning unit formed on a distal end side of the sheet metal member in the mounting direction. The sheet metal member includes a first surface extending along the mounting direction and a second surface located on an opposite side from the first surface. The positioning unit includes a projection piece inserted into the positioning hole, and a protrusion. The protrusion is formed by deforming the sheet metal member such that the second surface of the projection piece is partially perpendicular to the mounting direction and projects to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.