Tipping Prevention Unit for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large image forming apparatuses, such as printers and copiers, are prone to tipping due to variations in height, weight, and center of gravity caused by optional equipment, posing safety concerns, especially for users with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A tipping prevention unit with a main body, holding shafts that contact the apparatus's wheels or legs, an abutting portion that stabilizes the apparatus, and a contacting portion that engages the floor, effectively preventing the apparatus from tilting by distributing weight and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the accommodating tray is pulled out forward and recording materials are loaded, then the capacity for storing recording materials is improved, but the center of gravity moves forward and the apparatus tips easily
Solution Approach 1:
The tipping prevention unit is activated in advance when the tray is pulled out beyond the predetermined position. The support shaft engages with the leg of the apparatus before tipping can occur, providing preliminary stabilization action that prevents the adverse effect of center of gravity shift
2Adaptability or versatility
If options such as feeding apparatus, post-processing apparatus, and image scanner are all connected to the main body, then the functionality and versatility are improved, but the height increases and the apparatus becomes tall
Solution Approach 1:
The tipping prevention unit serves multiple functions: it supports the apparatus body when the tray is pulled out, prevents tipping during operation and maintenance, and works regardless of the specific configuration of optional equipment. This universal solution addresses the stability issue across various apparatus configurations without adding complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the center of gravity is positioned higher, then the apparatus can accommodate more equipment and options, but the apparatus tips more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The tipping prevention unit acts as an intermediary between the high center of gravity apparatus and the floor. The support shaft provides an additional contact point with the floor through the leg, creating a mechanical intermediary that stabilizes the apparatus and compensates for the high center of gravity effect
Data Source
AI summary
A tipping prevention unit that prevents tipping of an image forming apparatus includes shafts holding a wheel of the image forming apparatus, a shaft that abuts the image forming apparatus at a position higher than the shafts, and a shaft that contacts a floor surface on which the image forming apparatus is placed at a position further protruding to the outside of the image forming apparatus than the wheel of the image forming apparatus.