Cover Member Latching Mechanism for Accidental Closure Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recording apparatuses require complex user operations to maintain and cancel the open state of a cover member, leading to unintentional closure due to urging mechanisms, compromising operability.
Innovation Solution
A processing apparatus with a pivotable cover member supported by a housing, featuring a support member with a guide portion and an engaging mechanism that allows stable open state maintenance and simple operation for closing, using a switching member to restrict and cancel movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support member with urging mechanism is used to hold the cover member open, then the cover member can be maintained in an open state, but the cover member may be unintentionally closed when force is applied to the support member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a button member as an intermediary between the user's hand and the support member. When the user presses the button member, it transmits force through a pressing portion to release the latching engagement between the support member and the engaging portion. This intermediary mechanism allows intentional release while preventing accidental closure from incidental forces, as the button member requires deliberate pressing action to activate the release function.
2Ease of operation
If the support member is directly connected to allow simple closing operation, then closing becomes easier, but the open state cannot be stably maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic latching system where the support member can transition between two states: latched (engaged with the engaging portion to maintain open state) and unlatched (released to allow closing). The button member controls this dynamic transition - when pressed, it moves the support member from the latched to unlatched state. This dynamic mechanism enables stable open state maintenance during normal operation while allowing easy closing when the button is intentionally pressed.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging portion is designed to preliminarily prevent the support member from moving in the closing direction when the cover is opened. The latching engagement creates a preliminary counter-action that stabilizes the open state. To close the cover, the user must first press the button member to disengage this preliminary anti-action, then the cover can close naturally under gravity or applied force.
Data Source
AI summary
A processing apparatus includes a housing that includes a frame member; a cover member configured to be pivotable between a closed position covering the housing and an open position opening the housing; a support member having a first end connected to the cover member and a second end connected to the frame member; a guide portion for guiding movement of the support member; an engaging portion configured to restrict movement of the second end of the support member caused by pivoting of the cover member; and a switching member configured to engage with the support member and be movable between a first position in which the engaging portion restricts movement of the second end of the support member and a second position in which the restriction of movement of the second end by the engaging portion is canceled.