U-Shaped Member Hooking Support Member Cover Impact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses face issues with the support member breaking due to excessive impact force when the cover member is opened to its maximum angle, as the existing design does not adequately absorb or distribute the bending stress effectively.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a support member with wavelike portions and a U-shaped member configuration, which allows for controlled bending and stress distribution, preventing the support member from breaking by attenuating impact forces and maintaining an impact absorption function over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cover member is opened to its maximum angle, then the opening function is achieved, but the support member breaks due to excessive impact force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning member (elastic element) between the cover member and housing that absorbs impact force before it reaches the support member. This beforehand cushioning prevents the support member from breaking when the cover is opened to its maximum angle, as the elastic element deforms to absorb the shock energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member acts as an intermediary between the cover member and the housing, mediating the impact force transmission. Instead of the impact force directly acting on the support member, the cushioning member intercepts and attenuates this force, protecting the support member from damage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support member is made rigid to maintain structure, then the opening angle restriction is effective, but the support member breaks under impact force
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning member provides beforehand cushioning that allows the support member to remain rigid for effective opening angle restriction while protecting it from impact forces. The cushioning member absorbs the shock before it can compromise the rigid support member's strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact force into a beneficial deformation of the cushioning member. The impact energy that would otherwise break the support member is transformed into elastic deformation of the cushioning element, which then releases the energy safely.
3Reliability
If the support member is made flexible to absorb impact, then the durability improves, but the opening angle restriction becomes ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into two distinct functional components: a rigid support member for opening angle restriction and a flexible cushioning member for impact absorption. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushioning member serves as an intermediary that decouples the conflicting requirements. It allows the support member to remain rigid and effective for angle restriction while independently handling the impact absorption function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively restricts the opening angle of the cover member and distributes the impact force, preventing the support member from breaking and ensuring reliable operation by absorbing and managing bending stress, thus enhancing the durability and functionality of the image forming apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
The inclination surface portion is formed to abut the inner wall surface of the cover member when the cover member has been opened to the maximum opening angle
Implementation Method 2
A locking portion, which is connected to a front end portion of the insertion portion and is hooked with the pair of leg parts of the U-shaped member so as to prevent the insertion portion from coming off from the mounting hole
Data Source
AI summary
A one end side mounting portion of a support member is fixed to an inner wall surface of a cover member by a U-shaped member. The one end side mounting portion has an insertion portion, which is inserted into a hole formed by the U-shaped member and the inner wall surface of the cover member, a locking portion, and a support front end portion. In the hole, the insertion portion is tiltable in a surface vertical to a shaft as a rotation fulcrum of the cover member. The support front end portion is provided at a surface thereof, which faces the cover member side, with an inclination surface portion which is inclined from a cover member side to an anti-cover member side toward a front end side and the inclination surface portion abuts the inner wall surface of the cover member at the maximum opening angle of the cover member.