Image Forming Device Side Wall Segmentation for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tandem-type color printers require solid side wall portions to support both the scanner unit and drum support unit, making it impossible to achieve a lightweight and low-cost design due to the need for a solid main frame without any holes.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a main casing with L-shaped side plates and extension portions that allow for relative positioning of the photosensitive unit and exposure unit, enabling a compact structure with non-overlapping side plates and providing space for power and driving force inputs, thus reducing weight and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid side wall portions are used to support the scanner unit and drum support unit, then structural strength and stability are improved, but device weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is divided into multiple portions: a first side wall portion for supporting the scanner unit, a second side wall portion for positioning the drum support unit, and a third side wall portion for supporting both. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, enabling the use of lighter materials and reduced overall weight while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the side wall are designed with different structural characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first side wall portion has structures optimized for scanner support, the second for drum support positioning, and the third for combined support. This local optimization reduces unnecessary material in non-critical areas, lowering weight and cost.
2Stability of the object's composition
If solid side wall portions are used to support the scanner unit and drum support unit, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the side wall into function-specific portions, each can be manufactured independently using cost-effective methods. The first, second, and third side wall portions can be produced as separate components and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a monolithic solid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The third side wall portion serves multiple functions: supporting the scanner unit, positioning the drum support unit, and providing structural stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying manufacturing and reducing overall cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire area of each side portion is occupied with a solid member, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall is segmented into distinct portions with specific positioning functions. The second side wall portion includes positioning structures that provide accurate positioning for the drum support unit, while other portions are optimized for support functions. This segmentation maintains positioning accuracy without requiring solid coverage across the entire side wall area.
Solution Approach 2:
Positioning accuracy is achieved through locally optimized structures in the second side wall portion, which includes specific positioning protrusions and grooves. These localized features provide precise positioning without requiring the entire side wall to be solid, reducing weight and material usage.
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming device includes a main casing and a photosensitive unit having photosensitive bodies arrayed in an array direction. The main casing includes a first side plate having a first primary portion extending in the array direction, and having a first positioning portion and a second positioning portion spaced away therefrom in the array direction. The photosensitive unit includes a second side plate supporting the photosensitive bodies and having a second primary portion extending in the array direction. The second side plate has a third positioning portion subjected to positioning relative to the first positioning portion and has a fourth positioning portion subjected to positioning relative to the second positioning portion. The first and third portions are overlapped with each other and the second and fourth positioning portions are overlapped with each other while the first primary portion and the second primary portion are spaced away from each other.