Unit Casing Positioning Section for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of dimensional tolerances between frame segments in existing image forming apparatuses leads to reduced positioning accuracy of the unit casing, potentially causing sheet warping and defects in image formation.
Innovation Solution
The unit casing incorporates a positioning section with penetrating members and engaging portions that securely connect the frame segments to the casing, inhibiting dimensional tolerance accumulation and enhancing positioning accuracy by facilitating precise assembly and engagement with the image forming apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If frame segments are connected by connection members using conventional positioning methods, then the unit casing can be assembled, but dimensional tolerances accumulate and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning section acts as an intermediary component between the frame segments and the unit casing. This positioning section includes positioning members that engage with positioning holes in the frame segments and corresponding positioning protrusions in the casing, mediating the connection to prevent dimensional tolerance accumulation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is segmented into distinct components: positioning members on the frame segments, positioning holes for reception, and positioning protrusions on the casing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve high positioning accuracy without increasing overall complexity.
2Device complexity
If multiple frame segments are connected to reduce device complexity, then assembly is simplified, but dimensional tolerances accumulate across segments
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning section serves as an intermediary that connects multiple frame segments to the casing with high precision. By introducing this intermediate positioning mechanism, the patent enables the use of multiple frame segments for structural simplicity while compensating for dimensional tolerance accumulation through the positioning members and protrusions.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning accuracy is improved by adding positioning sections, then sheet warping and image defects are prevented, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning members are pre-installed on the frame segments during manufacturing, and the positioning holes and protrusions are pre-formed. This preliminary action ensures that when assembly occurs, the positioning function is already prepared, allowing for easy and quick assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning section enables self-aligning and self-positioning during assembly. The positioning members automatically engage with the positioning holes and protrusions, providing self-service positioning that simplifies the assembly process while maintaining high positioning accuracy, eliminating the need for complex external alignment tools or procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A unit casing (1) is mounted in a casing (120) included in an image forming apparatus (100). The unit casing (1) includes a main body (2) and a positioning section (3). The positioning section (3) positions the main body (2) relative to the casing (120). The main body (2) includes a first frame segment (21) and a second frame segment (22) located opposite to the first frame segment (21). The positioning section (3) includes a positioning frame segment (31) extending in parallel to the first frame segment (21) and at least one penetrating member (32) extending from the positioning frame segment (31) and penetrating through the first and second frame segments (21) and (22). The at least one penetrating member (32) has a tip end held by the casing (120).