Cover Member Locking Mechanism for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatuses often experience accidental opening of the multipurpose tray when the cover member is opened quickly, leading to usability issues as users need to manually close the tray unnecessarily.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first lock member that pivots between a locked and release position to secure the cover member in the closed position, and a second lock member that locks the tray in place, preventing it from opening during cover member operation, thus enhancing usability by allowing the cover to be opened while keeping the tray locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the cover member is opened quickly, then the opening speed is improved, but the tray engagement reliability deteriorates causing accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent lock members: a first lock member for the cover member and a second lock member for the tray. This segmentation allows the cover to be locked independently from the tray, preventing tray accidental opening during rapid cover opening while maintaining high opening speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lock member is preliminarily positioned to engage with the tray before the cover member opening operation begins. This preliminary engagement ensures the tray is securely locked in place before any dynamic movement occurs, preventing accidental disengagement during rapid cover opening.
2Ease of operation
If the tray is allowed to move freely during cover opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tray stability deteriorates causing accidental opening
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate lock members for the cover and tray, allowing the tray to remain stably locked while the cover operates freely. This segmentation enables independent control of cover opening ease and tray position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lock member acts as an intermediary between the tray and the cover opening operation. It mediates by maintaining tray stability during cover movement, allowing the cover to be opened easily while preventing tray accidental opening through the intermediate locking action.
3Device complexity
If a single lock member is used for both cover and tray, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two specialized lock members: one dedicated to the cover member and another to the tray. This segmentation increases reliability by providing dedicated locking for each component while keeping each individual lock member relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each lock member is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple operations within its domain. The first lock member handles cover locking and release operations, while the second lock member handles tray locking and release operations, allowing each component to be relatively simple yet highly reliable in its specific function.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a casing, a cover member having an opening and supported by the casing, a first lock member configured to move between a first lock position in which the cover member is locked in an closed position and a first release position in which a locked state of the cover member is released, a tray configured to pivot between a first position covering the opening and a second position uncovering the opening, and a second lock member configured to move between a second lock position in which the tray is locked in the first position and a second release position in which a locked state of the tray is released, the second lock member being configured to move to the second lock position in response to movement of the first lock member to the first release position.