Side Cover Finger Grip Insert for Adhesive-Free Nonslip Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus requires complex operations for fixing nonslip members to finger receiving portions, which complicates assembly and reduces productivity due to the need for precise adhesive application and positioning.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a configuration with a pair of side covers, a finger receiving portion, a connection member, and a fitting member, where the fitting member has protrusions that protrude downward from the finger receiving portion, facilitating the provision of a nonslip surface without the need for adhesives, allowing for easier assembly and increased productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nonslip member is fixed to the finger receiving portion using adhesive, then the nonslip function is achieved, but the assembly operation becomes complicated and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical insertion system. The fitting member with protrusions is inserted into the finger receiving portion, eliminating the need for adhesive application. This mechanical substitution simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the nonslip function through physical engagement rather than chemical bonding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adhesive from the assembly process by using a separate fitting member that provides the nonslip function through its protrusions. The adhesive is completely removed from the finger receiving portion assembly, simplifying the operation to a straightforward insertion process while maintaining functional reliability.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to fix the nonslip member, then the nonslip portion is provided, but precise positioning and adhesive control are required increasing operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting member is designed to be self-positioning through its protrusions that naturally align with and engage the finger receiving portion. The insertion operation is self-guided by the geometric fit between the protrusions and the receiving cavity, eliminating the need for assembler skill in adhesive application and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical insertion system replaces the complex adhesive application system. The protrusions provide automatic positioning and alignment during insertion, eliminating the need for precise adhesive control and positioning skills required in the adhesive-based system.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a pair of side covers, a finger receiving portion, a connection member, and a fitting member. One of the pair of side covers defines one of right and left outer side-surfaces of the image forming apparatus and the other defines the other of the right and left outer side-surfaces of the image forming apparatus. The finger receiving portion is inwardly recessed in each of the side covers with respect to a right-left direction and comprises an upper wall that has an insertion opening penetrating through the upper wall with respect to an top-bottom direction. The connection member is configured to connect the side covers with each other. The fitting member is a separate part from the connection member and is fitted to each of the finger receiving portions from an inner side of each of the side covers. The fitting member comprises a protrusion that protrudes downward therefrom. The protrusion protrudes downward from the upper wall of the finger receiving portion via the insertion opening.