Vertical Control Board and Projecting HDD Unit for Printer Workspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus designs face challenges in reducing installation space while maintaining user accessibility and workability, particularly for users with mobility issues, as the placement of the control board and HDD on the back of the apparatus body hampers workspace flatness and reachability.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with the control board positioned vertically on the upper surface of the apparatus body and the HDD stored in an electrical unit that projects upward, allowing for easy access and replacement without interfering with the exposure units, and the HDDs are vertically arrayed to minimize space and ensure a wide, accessible work surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the control board and HDD are mounted on the back of the apparatus body, then the installation space of the apparatus body is reduced, but the workability in the work space on the upper surface deteriorates and user accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control board is rotated from a horizontal mounting orientation to a vertical mounting orientation on the back of the apparatus body. This dimensional change allows the control board to be positioned upright, creating a more ergonomic workspace on the upper surface while maintaining compact installation space. The vertical orientation enables better accessibility for users, including those with mobility issues, as components are positioned at easier-to-reach heights.
2Area of stationary object
If the control board and HDD are mounted on the back of the apparatus body, then the installation space is reduced, but the flatness and level of the work space are hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The back of the apparatus body is segmented into distinct functional zones: a vertical control board mounting area and a separate horizontal work space area. This segmentation allows the control board to be mounted vertically without interfering with the flatness and level of the work space on the upper surface. The work space maintains its required flatness for placing items, while the control board occupies a different spatial plane.
3Device complexity
If the HDD is disposed on the back of the apparatus body, then the control board and HDD can be connected closely, but the user accessibility and reachability to the HDD deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The HDD mounting position is made adjustable or accessible through a removable panel on the back of the apparatus body. This dynamic design allows users to access and remove the HDD when needed, while maintaining a compact connection to the control board during normal operation. The accessibility is enhanced without compromising the close connection required for data transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus body, an image forming portion contained within the apparatus body, a control board controlling the image forming portion, an electrical unit, a storage device attachable to /removable out of the electrical unit, and a storage portion. The electrical unit includes the control board disposed along a vertical direction, provided so as to project upward on an upper surface of the apparatus body, and disposed on a back side of the apparatus body on the upper surface of the apparatus body.