Pivoting Cover Lock Mechanism for Narrow Space Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In reading apparatuses with pivoting covers, securing the cover in a closed position is challenging due to insufficient space, leading to instability and poor operability, as the pressing region for locking is often insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism with a latch that moves in an intersecting direction to engage with an engaging recessed portion, allowing the cover to lock securely without requiring additional space, by incorporating an inclined face to facilitate the latch's movement from the lock release to the lock position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover is locked by pressing it further inward than the fixed position, then the cover can be locked in the closed position, but the pressing region becomes insufficient when the space inside the apparatus is narrow, making it difficult to lock the cover stably with favorable operability
Solution Approach 1:
The latch moves not only in the direction along the pivoting shaft (first direction) but also in a direction intersecting the pivoting shaft direction (second direction). This two-dimensional movement allows the latch to engage with the engaging portion at an optimal position without requiring additional pressing space, thereby resolving the contradiction between locking stability and operability in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The latch acts as an intermediary component between the cover and the locking mechanism. By introducing this intermediate element that can move in intersecting directions, the system achieves reliable locking without requiring the cover to be pressed further inward, thus improving both locking stability and operability
2Volume of moving object
If the space inside the apparatus is narrow to suppress an increase in size, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the pressing region necessary for locking the cover becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The latch's movement in a direction intersecting the pivoting shaft direction enables the locking mechanism to function effectively within the limited space. This dimensional change in movement trajectory allows the system to achieve reliable locking without requiring additional pressing region, thus maintaining both compact size and locking stability
3Device complexity
If the latch moves only along the pivoting shaft direction, then the structure is simple, but the cover cannot be locked stably when space is narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is designed to move in two directions: along the pivoting shaft direction and in a direction intersecting the pivoting shaft direction. This enhanced movement capability, while slightly increasing structural complexity, enables stable locking in narrow spaces by allowing the latch to reach the engaging portion at the correct position and orientation
Data Source
AI summary
A reading apparatus includes a cover configured to pivot to an open position and a closed position, a lock mechanism configured to restrict the cover in the closed position from pivoting to the open position, and a reading unit provided in the cover or in a member facing the cover in the closed position, and configured to read a medium when the cover is in the closed position. The cover includes a protruding portion. A latch face configured to come into contact with a face of the protruding portion facing toward one direction along a first axis when the cover is in a closed position, the first axis being orthogonal to a pivoting shaft of the cover. The latch face is configured to move in the other direction along the first axis when the latch moves from a lock release position to a lock position.