Cover-Mounted Button Actuation Mechanism for Electronic Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses face difficulties in user accessibility due to button placement, particularly when the apparatus is placed on a high surface, and the need for wiring between the cover and main body case increases the risk of electrical damage.
Innovation Solution
The button is placed on the cover, which is openable and closable, and the switch is located on the main body case, allowing for easy actuation without the need for wiring between the two components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the button is provided on the cover, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to required wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is extracted from the cover and relocated to the main body case. Only the button remains on the cover, while the switch mechanism is separated and positioned on the main body, eliminating the need for electrical connections between moving and stationary parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover itself acts as an intermediary mechanical element. When the cover is closed, it mechanically transmits the button's pressing force to the switch on the main body case through direct contact, serving as a mediator that converts button pressure into switch activation without requiring electrical wiring.
2Ease of operation
If the switch is provided on the cover, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to cable damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is extracted from the cover and relocated to the main body case, eliminating the need for electrical cables that connect moving and stationary parts. This separation removes the source of reliability problems associated with cable bending and disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection system is replaced with a mechanical transmission system. Instead of using electrical cables to transmit signals from the button on the cover to the switch on the main body, the design uses direct mechanical contact where the closed cover physically presses the button against the switch.
3Device complexity
If the button is placed on the main body case, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reachability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The operational interface is segmented into two parts: the button remains on the cover for easy user access, while the switch is positioned on the main body case. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves as a mechanical intermediary that connects the button (on the cover) to the switch (on the main body). When the cover is closed, it automatically transmits the button press to the switch through mechanical contact, enabling remote button placement without sacrificing operational capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus, an imaging apparatus, and a printer are provided. The electronic apparatus includes a main body case; a cover that is provided on the main body case so as to be openable and closable; a button, which is provided on the cover, for making a pressing operation; and a switch that is provided on the main body case, the switch being pressed by receiving a pressing force from the button in a state where the cover is closed.