Wireless Antenna Layout in Image Forming Housing for Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining good wireless communication performance while ensuring rigidity and preventing noise interference, particularly when the wireless communication board is positioned to improve front-side communication, which can lead to decreased performance and increased noise vulnerability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus is designed with a metal frame configuration where the wireless communication board is positioned such that the metal frame is lower than the wireless communication module on the front side, and a resin support portion is used to maintain the top cover, ensuring good communication performance without compromising rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wireless communication board is disposed on the apparatus front side to improve wireless communication performance, then communication performance is improved, but the distance between the control board and wireless communication board increases causing increased cable communication and noise vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the wireless communication board in a vertically upper location relative to the control board, changing the spatial arrangement from horizontal to vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the wireless communication board to be placed on the apparatus front side for improved communication performance while maintaining a reasonable vertical distance to the control board, thus reducing cable length and noise vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resin support portion as an intermediary structure to hold the wireless communication board. This resin support acts as a mediator between the wireless communication board and the metal frame, providing electrical insulation and mechanical support while allowing optimal positioning for both communication performance and noise reduction.
2Reliability
If a recessed portion is formed on the frame to ensure good wireless communication performance, then communication performance is improved, but the rigidity of the apparatus decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support structure by introducing a separate resin support portion that is connected to the metal frame. This segmentation allows the resin support to provide a recessed mounting area for the wireless communication board without compromising the overall rigidity of the metal frame, as the resin support acts as an independent structural element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining metal frame and resin support portion. The metal frame provides overall structural rigidity and strength, while the resin support portion provides a non-conductive mounting area for the wireless communication board. This composite material approach allows the apparatus to maintain rigidity while ensuring good wireless communication performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an image forming portion; a first metal side plate and a second metal side plate; an antenna; and a housing on which a discharging port is disposed, wherein the housing includes a top cover that is disposed at a position vertically higher than the first metal side plate, wherein in a region on a downstream side with respect to the antenna in a discharging direction where a recording material is discharged from the discharging port, an upper end of the first metal side plate is located at a position vertically lower than the antenna, and a resin support portion connected to the first metal side plate is disposed in the region such that the resin support portion supports the top cover, wherein the antenna and the resin support portion are disposed along the upper end of the first metal side plate.