Image Forming Cover Locking to Prevent Inadvertent Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses risk inadvertently opening the cover of the image forming unit when the document reading unit is opened, leading to unnecessary stoppages in image formation and wasteful consumption of recording materials.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus is designed with a cover that moves between closed and open positions, a document reading unit that moves independently, and legs that hide or expose an operation member based on the cover's position, along with a locking mechanism and a controller to prevent erroneous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the document reading unit is made movable independently above the image forming unit, then the user can easily access recording materials, but the cover of the image forming unit may be inadvertently opened when attempting to open the document reading unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a leg as an intermediary component positioned between the document reading unit and the cover. This leg acts as a physical barrier that prevents direct contact between the user's hand and the operation member when the document reading unit is opened, thereby eliminating the risk of inadvertent cover opening while maintaining easy access to recording materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the leg to preemptively block access to the operation member before erroneous operation can occur. The leg is strategically placed to interfere with the user's hand movement path when opening the document reading unit, preventing the harmful action of inadvertent cover opening before it can happen
2Ease of operation
If the operation member is always exposed for easy operation, then the user can easily open the cover, but the cover may be opened inadvertently causing image formation to stop
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operation member's accessibility dynamic rather than static. The leg is positioned to dynamically adjust its blocking function based on the state of the document reading unit - when the document reading unit is closed, the operation member is accessible; when the document reading unit is opened, the leg automatically blocks access to the operation member, preventing inadvertent operation while maintaining productivity
3Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to access the inside of the image forming unit for replacing consumables or removing jammed recording material, then maintenance is easier, but the image forming apparatus stops image formation temporarily
Solution Approach 1:
The leg serves as an intermediary that allows intentional cover opening for maintenance while preventing inadvertent opening during normal operation. When users need to perform maintenance, they can intentionally move the document reading unit and cover together to access the inside of the image forming unit, but the leg prevents accidental opening that would disrupt image formation
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a recording material. A cover is movable between a first position in which the cover covers an upper portion of the image forming unit and a second position in which the cover opens the upper portion of the image forming unit. A document reading unit is provided above the image forming unit and above the cover and that is moveable independently of the cover. A leg that is positioned above the cover and below the document reading unit, and that is moveable together with the document reading unit. A first hinge rotatably supports the document reading unit and the leg in relation to the image forming unit. An operation member is operated when a person moves the cover from the first position to the second position.