Slidable Frame Connecting Unit for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face deformation issues due to external forces, affecting the positional accuracy of components, as the connecting portions between the upper and lower frames can deform into a parallelogram shape.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a frame connecting unit that connects the upper and lower frames via slidable components, allowing relative movement in the up-down direction, and uses a combination of sheet metal and resin frames with specific geometrical configurations and fixation methods to absorb external impacts and maintain rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the upper frame is placed on the lower frame with rigid connection, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the frame deforms into a parallelogram shape when external force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion is designed with slidable components that allow relative movement between the upper and lower frames. The first slidable component and second slidable component enable the connection to adapt dynamically to external forces, preventing rigid deformation while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion rather than fixed rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion changes its geometric parameters through the slidable mechanism. When external force is applied, the slidable components move relative to each other, altering the connection geometry from a fixed parallelogram-prone configuration to an adaptive shape that maintains stability while accommodating force vectors.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting portion allows relative movement between upper and lower frames, then the frame deformation is reduced, but the positional accuracy of image forming components may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable connection is divided into multiple components: a first slidable component attached to the upper frame, a second slidable component attached to the lower frame, and a connecting member with guide grooves and protrusions. This segmentation allows the movement to be constrained along specific paths while maintaining the benefits of relative motion, thereby preserving component positional accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary element between the upper and lower frames. It mediates the relative movement through its guide groove and protrusion mechanism, allowing controlled slidable motion while preventing unwanted displacement that would compromise the positional accuracy of the image forming unit.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple connection method is used between upper and lower frames, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the ability to absorb external impacts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable connection provides a dynamic assembly that is both simple to manufacture and effective at absorbing impacts. The guide groove and protrusion design allows for straightforward assembly while enabling the structure to move and adapt when external forces are applied, distributing impact forces through the slidable mechanism rather than creating rigid stress concentrations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a first right frame, a first left frame facing the first right frame, a second right frame positioned below the first right frame, a second left frame facing the second right frame and positioned below the second right frame. The image forming apparatus further includes an image forming unit positioned between the first right frame and the first left frame. The image forming apparatus still further includes a frame connecting unit configured to connect the first right frame, the first left frame, the second right frame and the second left frame. The first right frame and the second right frame are relatively slidable in an up-down direction, and the first left frame and the second left frame are relatively slidable in the up-down direction.