Cover Maneuver Lever Locking Mechanism for Reduced Opening Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses require a large force to open and close the cover due to the need to slide locking members inward against spring biasing forces, increasing the space and force required for movement, which decreases maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a maneuver lever with first and second locking members that rotate about perpendicular axes, reducing the space needed for movement and the force required to open and close the cover by allowing the locking members to move inward and rotate closer to each other when transitioning from locked to unlocked positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If locking members are attached to both ends of a maneuver lever and rotate with the maneuver lever, then the space necessary for movement of the locking members in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cover is reduced, but the force necessary to open the cover increases due to the need to slide the locking members inwardly against biasing forces of the springs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members (first locking member and second locking member) that can rotate independently about different axes. This segmentation allows each locking member to move in a different direction, reducing the total space required while distributing the force requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The first locking member rotates about a first axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cover, while the second locking member rotates about a second axis parallel to the first axis. This dimensional change in rotation axes allows the locking members to move in different spatial dimensions, reducing the space necessary for movement in any single direction
2Ease of operation
If locking members are attached to both ends of a maneuver lever and rotate with the maneuver lever, then the maneuverability of the cover decreases, but this configuration simplifies the locking mechanism structure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent locking members that rotate independently about different axes. This segmentation improves maneuverability by allowing more flexible movement paths, while the modular nature of the segmented design actually simplifies the overall structure compared to a single complex rotating assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The locking members are designed to rotate about different axes depending on the operational state. The first locking member rotates about a first axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the cover, while the second locking member rotates about a second axis parallel to the first axis, creating a dynamic adaptation to operational requirements that improves ease of operation
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
This design reduces the space and force necessary for opening and closing the cover, enhancing maneuverability and simplifying the locking mechanism while maintaining secure engagement and disengagement with the housing.
Implementation Method 1
The locking members are biased to the locked positions respectively by springs
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a housing, a cover, a maneuver lever, a first locking member, and a second locking member. The cover is attached to the housing and is rotatable about a rotation axis. The maneuver lever is attached to the cover and extends parallel to the rotation axis. The first and second locking members are attached to the cover and are configured to engage with the maneuver lever. The first locking member is rotatable about a first axis perpendicular to the rotation axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The second locking member is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the maneuver lever moves from the closed position to the open position, each of the first locking member and the second locking member rotates from the locked position to the unlocked position.