Button Mechanism Sliding Deformation Eliminates Dedicated Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as electrophotographic printers, often require multiple components due to the use of dedicated springs for button mechanisms, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus design featuring a button portion with a deformable support portion that slides and deforms to move between positions without a dedicated spring, utilizing a regulation portion and contact mechanism to switch the button's position and power state, reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated spring is used to return the power button to its original position, then the button can be reliably returned to its initial state, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is merged with the button portion, and the deformable portion is integrated into the support structure. This combination eliminates the need for a separate dedicated spring, reducing component count while maintaining the button return function through the deformable portion's elastic deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion serves multiple functions: it supports the button portion, provides the deformable portion for elastic deformation, and acts as the regulation portion to regulate the button's position. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate components including a dedicated spring
2Shape
If the button portion is made to rotate during pressing, then the exterior formation is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button portion is designed to rotate dynamically during the pressing operation, transforming from a static component to a dynamic one. This rotation improves the exterior formation by creating a more sophisticated visual effect, while the mechanism remains relatively simple by utilizing the natural rotation of the button portion itself without requiring additional complex mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design allows for a more compact and cost-effective button mechanism with improved operability and durability, eliminating the need for dedicated springs and reducing the number of components, while maintaining accurate exterior formation and power control.
Implementation Method 1
when a force in the second direction is applied to the deformable portion due to sliding between the button portion and the outer casing
Implementation Method 2
a deformable portion configured to deform in the second direction... when a force in the second direction is applied to the deformable portion due to sliding between the button portion and the outer casing and the deformable portion is caused to deform, the button portion is moved to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus incudes an outer casing, a button portion including a pressed portion, a support portion and a deformable portion, and a regulation portion configured to come into contact with the support portion to regulate a position of the button portion. The button portion is movable from a first positon to a second position when the pressed portion is pressed. When the button portion is moved from the first position to the second position, the outer casing of the image forming apparatus slides with the button portion and a force is applied in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction to cause the deformable portion of the support portion to deform and the button portion to move in the second direction.