Wireless Module Layout Near Exterior Cover for Stable Printer WLAN

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining good wireless communication performance, particularly with intermediate distance wireless LAN communications, due to obstacles and the positioning of the wireless communication module, which can disrupt signals.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates a wireless communication module with an antenna and board mounted between the apparatus frame and exterior cover, utilizing a fixing unit with a screw to secure the module, where the antenna is positioned closer to one side and the hole is closer to the other, optimizing the module's placement to minimize interference and enhance communication performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the wireless board is disposed close to the exterior cover to improve wireless communication performance, then communication performance is improved, but the board may be disturbed by nearby components or holding members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication performanceVSAvoiddisturbance from nearby components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a specific safe zone around the antenna on the wireless board. The holding members are strategically positioned to be away from the antenna area, ensuring that only the necessary components are near the antenna while other components are placed in safe zones. This localized arrangement optimizes communication performance by protecting the antenna region from interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by utilizing the vertical dimension. The wireless board is disposed close to the exterior cover in the vertical direction, while holding members are positioned in different vertical layers or horizontal positions, creating spatial separation that reduces interference while maintaining compact overall structure.

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

2Strength

If a holding member is positioned near the antenna to support the wireless module, then the module is securely held, but wireless communication may be disturbed by the holding member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule support stabilityVSAvoidwireless communication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the functional requirements of different regions of the wireless board. The holding members are positioned in regions away from the antenna to provide mechanical support, while the antenna region is kept clear of obstructions. This localized functional differentiation ensures both structural stability and communication performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the wireless board is held at multiple points close to the exterior cover, then good wireless communication performance is enabled, but obstacles may directly block the communication path

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication performanceVSAvoidobstacle interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to resolve the contradiction. The wireless board is positioned close to the exterior cover in the vertical dimension, creating an unobstructed communication path in the horizontal plane. Holding members are positioned in different spatial layers or at corners away from the antenna, providing support without blocking the communication path between the antenna and external wireless devices.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11843740B2Image forming apparatus having a wireless communication module
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 CANON KK
  • US11843740B2 patent drawing
  • US11843740B2 patent drawing
  • US11843740B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming apparatus including: an apparatus frame; an exterior cover configured to cover the apparatus frame; a wireless communication module including an antenna for wireless communication and a board on which the antenna is mounted, and disposed between the apparatus frame and the exterior cover; and a fixing unit configured to fix the wireless communication module to the exterior cover, and including a screw screwed into a screw hole disposed on the exterior cover via a hole disposed on the board; wherein the board has four sides including a first side near the antenna and a second side extending along the first side and distant from the antenna, and the hole is disposed at a position close to the second side.