Angle-Adjustable Operating Member for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses face challenges with visibility due to room light reflections and operational accessibility issues, particularly for users in wheelchairs, as existing solutions complicate the structure and increase costs with complex angle-changing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with an operating member that can be selectively mounted in two different inclination angles using a mounting member, allowing for adjustment between a first and second posture, thereby reducing component costs and size while maintaining operability and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed operating member is mounted on the top surface of the apparatus, then the structure is simple and costs are reduced, but the mounting position becomes too high for a user in a wheel chair to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed with adjustable mounting positions that allow it to be dynamically repositioned between a first mounting position (higher) and a second mounting position (lower). This enables the structure to adapt to different user needs, particularly making it accessible for users in wheelchairs while maintaining simplicity in the overall design
2Ease of operation
If a rotary shaft mechanism is used to change the angle of the operating member, then the visibility and operability are improved, but the structure becomes complex, downsizing is difficult, and component costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The angle adjustment function is segmented into discrete predetermined angles rather than continuous adjustment. The operating member can be mounted at specific angles (e.g., first angle for normal use, second angle for reduced reflection), eliminating the need for complex rotary shaft mechanisms while maintaining improved visibility and operability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple mounting structures with screws or clips that allow easy attachment and detachment of the operating member at different angles. This replaces expensive, complex rotary shaft mechanisms with inexpensive, simple mounting components that achieve the same functional goal
3Illumination intensity
If the operating member is mounted at a fixed inclination angle, then the structure is simple and component costs are reduced, but room light reflection reduces visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member's inclination angle is made dynamically adjustable between predetermined angles. Users can select different mounting angles to optimize visibility under different lighting conditions, particularly reducing room light reflection by mounting at a second angle when reflection occurs at the first angle
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle parameter of the operating member is changed between predetermined values to control light reflection. By adjusting the mounting angle, the reflection characteristics change, allowing optimization of display visibility under different lighting conditions without complex mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an operating member operated by an operator to give an instruction on operation; a top exterior member that is formed with a holding recess in which the operating member is arranged; a first mounting part provided on the holding recess, on which the operating member is mounted in a first posture in which the operating member is inclined by a first inclination angle with respect to the top exterior member; and a second mounting part provided in the holding recess, on which the operating member is mounted in a second posture in which the operating member is inclined by a second inclination angle different from the first inclination angle with respect to the top exterior member. The operating member is configured to be selectively mounted either on the first mounting part or on the second mounting part with use of a mounting member.