Image Forming Housing Layout for Accessible Wireless Antenna Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operability of image forming apparatuses with short-range wireless communication is degraded when the antenna portion is positioned inappropriately, leading to issues such as interference, obstruction, and reduced convenience in device interaction.

Innovation Solution

The antenna portion for short-range wireless communication is strategically positioned on the image forming apparatus to ensure unobstructed visibility, spacing from potential sources of interference, and convenient device interaction, including specific configurations such as inclined or recessed placements to facilitate easy access and reduce interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the antenna portion is disposed at an inappropriate position, then the device structure is simple, but the operability of wireless communication degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of wireless communicationVSAvoidantenna positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing a specific antenna portion with distinct structural characteristics (inclined surface or recessed shape) at a specific location on the housing. This localized structural feature ensures unobstructed visibility and proper spacing for wireless communication while maintaining overall device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes dimensional changes by configuring the antenna portion on an inclined surface or in a recessed shape, creating three-dimensional spatial relationships that improve wireless communication performance. This dimensional approach allows the antenna to maintain proper spacing from interfering components while integrating into the device housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the antenna portion is disposed close to other components, then the device size is reduced, but interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference to wireless communicationVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a localized interference-free zone around the antenna portion through the inclined surface or recessed configuration. This local structural modification ensures sufficient spacing between the antenna and other components, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining compact overall device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surface or recessed structure acts as an intermediary element between the antenna portion and other device components. This intermediate structure provides the necessary spacing and shielding to reduce interference while allowing the antenna to be integrated into the compact device housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If the antenna portion is hidden or obstructed, then the device appearance is streamlined, but device visibility and accessibility degrade

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of antenna portionVSAvoidhousing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent provides a localized visibility feature through the inclined surface or recessed configuration of the antenna portion. This local structural feature ensures that the antenna remains visible and accessible for wireless communication while integrating smoothly into the overall device housing design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260012545A1Image Forming Apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.08 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US20260012545A1 patent drawing
  • US20260012545A1 patent drawing
  • US20260012545A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus that utilizes a communication device is disclosed. A communication unit of a housing which corresponds to an antenna portion is provided at a position at which the communication unit can be seen without obstruction from the upper side. A communication device such as a smartphone can be brought close to or into contact with the communication unit readily. Accordingly, wireless communication between the antenna portion and the communication device can be established.