Card Reader Mounting Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses lack a versatile and accessible card reader system that can accommodate cards of various sizes for user identification, which is essential for security purposes.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus is designed with a card reader system that includes a supporting member and a pressing member formed from elastically deformable material, allowing the card reader to be securely positioned and accessible at a height between 381mm and 1370mm, facilitating easy installation and use of different card sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a card reader is installed in an image forming apparatus, then user identification capability is improved, but the apparatus structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The card reader is nested within the case of the image forming apparatus, specifically installed in the mounting part case. The supporting member and pressing member are integrated into the case structure, with the pressing member rotatably connected through a hinge hole. This nesting approach allows the card reader functionality to be incorporated without requiring a separate standalone device, thus improving user identification capability while minimizing additional structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the card reader is made accessible at a lower height, then ease of operation for users with disabilities is improved, but the internal space arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The card reader is positioned at a height between 381mm and 1370mm from the ground, which is a lower vertical dimension that improves accessibility for users with disabilities. The supporting member extends vertically from the case, and the pressing member is arranged in a vertical orientation with the hinge hole and locking protrusion positioned to accommodate this lower mounting height. This dimensional adjustment allows the card reader to be accessible while maintaining proper internal space arrangement through vertical optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pressing member is made elastically deformable, then the card reader support adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing member is made from an elastically deformable material that can change its physical state between deformed and restored positions. The elastic part is configured to generate elastic force that presses the card reader against the inner surface of the case. This parameter change approach allows the pressing member to adapt to different card reader sizes and positions while the hinge protrusion and locking protrusion design ensures that the elastic deformation remains within controlled limits, maintaining manufacturing precision through defined geometric constraints.
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
The solution provides a secure and accessible card reader system that can accommodate various card sizes, enhancing user identification and accessibility, particularly for users with disabilities, while maintaining the apparatus's operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part configured to generate elastic force
Data Source
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AI summary
An image forming apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a body, a case forming an external appearance of the body, and a card reader disposed inside the case. The case includes a supporting member protruding from an inner surface of the case to support a lower end of the card reader, and a pressing member configured to press the card reader toward the inner surface of the case, so that various types of card readers having a different width, height, and/or thickness may be installed for use.