Skeleton Frame Support Shafts for Paper-Feed Base Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in efficiently guiding and attaching specific members, such as the paper-feed base member, within the skeleton frame, which affects the stability and accuracy of the attachment process, leading to potential misalignment and increased complexity in assembly.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a skeleton frame with inwardly projecting support shafts and engaging shafts that serve as both fulcrums for the opening/closing cover and guides for the specific members, allowing for horizontal movement and secure attachment within the frame, utilizing hook members and guide grooves to stabilize the paper-feed base member during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a skeleton frame with hollow columns and cross beams is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the complexity of guiding and attaching specific members increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support shafts serve dual functions: they act as fulcrums for the opening/closing member and simultaneously serve as guide portions for specific members during insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate guiding structures, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging shafts and hook members are designed to automatically engage and disengage without requiring additional tools or complex mechanisms. The specific members are guided into position by the support shafts themselves, and the hook members automatically latch onto the engaging shafts, enabling self-service attachment that reduces assembly complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If support shafts are added to the corner columns, then the guiding accuracy of specific members is improved, but the weight of the frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support shafts are designed to serve multiple purposes: they provide guiding accuracy for specific members during insertion and simultaneously function as fulcrums for the opening/closing member. By combining these functions into a single component, the need for additional weight-bearing structures is eliminated, thereby maintaining frame weight efficiency while achieving precise guiding.
Solution Approach 2:
The support shafts are strategically positioned only at the corner columns where guiding is most critical for the insertion of specific members. This localized approach ensures high guiding accuracy where needed while avoiding unnecessary weight addition throughout the entire frame structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If engaging shafts and hook members are used to hold the opening/closing member, then the stability of the closed state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hook members are designed to automatically engage with the engaging shafts when the opening/closing member is closed, providing stable locking without requiring additional tools, actuators, or complex mechanisms. The self-latching mechanism ensures stable closed state while maintaining simplicity in the overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging shafts and hook members are integrated into the existing skeleton frame structure rather than being added as separate external components. The engaging shafts are formed as protrusions from the frame, and the hook members are attached to the opening/closing member itself, merging the locking function with the existing structural elements and minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A skeleton frame has a pair of corner columns facing each other. An image forming apparatus includes a pair of support shafts protruding inward from respective inner side surfaces in the pair of corner columns, and an opening/closing member rotatably supported on a lower end portion by the pair of support shafts. A specific member moves horizontally from an outer side of the skeleton frame through between the pair of corner columns and is attached inside the skeleton frame. At least one of the pair of support shafts is also used as a guide portion that guides the specific member when the specific member is inserted into the skeleton frame through between the pair of corner columns.