Welded Frame Snap-Fit Assembly for Sheet Post-Processing Rigidity

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sheet post-processing apparatuses face challenges in manufacturing cost and rigidity due to the use of multiple fastening members and potential loosening during operation, which affects the ease of assembly and stability of the housing frame.

Innovation Solution

A sheet post-processing apparatus with a body frame composed of welded metal vertical and horizontal frame members, featuring an elevating unit with rails that guide the ascent and descent of a tray, enhancing rigidity and simplifying assembly by reducing the number of components and reliance on fastening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple fastening members are used to assemble the frame, then the frame can be easily assembled, but the rigidity decreases and fastening members may loosen during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidrigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate fastening members into a single integrated snap-fit connection system. The insertion portion of one frame member engages with the groove of another frame member, eliminating the need for multiple discrete fastening components and their associated fastening operations, thereby achieving both ease of assembly and high rigidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple fastening members are used to assemble the frame, then the frame can be easily assembled, but the reliability decreases due to potential loosening during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate fastening members into a single integrated snap-fit connection system. The insertion portion of one frame member engages with the groove of another frame member, eliminating the need for multiple discrete fastening components and their associated fastening operations, thereby achieving both ease of assembly and high rigidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If many components are used in the frame assembly, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate fastening members into a single integrated snap-fit connection system. The insertion portion of one frame member engages with the groove of another frame member, eliminating the need for multiple discrete fastening components and their associated fastening operations, thereby achieving both ease of assembly and high rigidity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frame members are designed with universal snap-fit connection capabilities through the insertion portion and groove structure. This multi-functional design allows any frame member to connect with others using the same mechanism, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying the overall assembly process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12110204B2Sheet post-processing apparatus, and image forming system and electronic apparatus provided therewith

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sheet post-processing apparatus includes an apparatus body, a body frame, a sheet conveyance passage, an elevating tray, and an elevating unit. The elevating unit has a pair of rails. The body frame has a plurality of vertical frame members extending in the vertical direction and horizontal frame members that extends in a horizontal direction and is joined to the plurality of vertical frame members. The pair of rails are formed integrally with, among the plurality of vertical frame members, a pair of vertical frame members provided corresponding to a second side surface.