Cover Recess for NFC Unit Protection and Rigidity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reading and recording apparatuses face challenges in user operability and near field communication (NFC) functionality, particularly in the placement and protection of NFC units, which can lead to damage and reduced rigidity, affecting communication efficiency and device usability.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus incorporates a cover mechanism with a near field communication unit integrated into the cover that opens and closes the document stand, featuring a metal plate for enhanced rigidity and protection, and strategically positions the NFC unit to avoid interference with the reading unit's movement, ensuring effective communication and improved user operability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the near field communication unit is provided on the upper surface of the reading apparatus, then the user operability is improved, but the NFC unit is vulnerable to damage and the cover rigidity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser operabilityVSAvoidNFC unit protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC unit is nested within a recess portion formed in the cover, allowing it to be embedded rather than surface-mounted. This nesting approach provides protective enclosure while maintaining the upper surface location for user accessibility, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from surface-level placement to subsurface embedding by creating a recess portion in the cover. This dimensional change moves the NFC unit from the surface plane into the cover thickness, providing protection while preserving the upper surface location for user interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If a metal plate is added to enhance cover rigidity, then the structural integrity is improved, but it may interfere with near field communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover rigidityVSAvoidNFC interference
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The metal plate is selectively positioned in specific regions of the cover where it provides rigidity enhancement without creating harmful electromagnetic fields that would interfere with NFC. By controlling the local placement and configuration of the metal plate, the design achieves structural strength while avoiding NFC interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the NFC unit is exposed on the cover surface, then the communication functionality is accessible, but the unit is susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication accessibilityVSAvoidNFC unit damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC unit is nested within a recess portion in the cover, providing a protective enclosure that shields it from external damage while keeping it accessible for communication operations. The recess acts as a protective cavity that reduces vulnerability to physical harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The recess portion structure provides beforehand protection by creating a protective cavity that cushions and shields the NFC unit from potential damage before any harmful contact occurs. This pre-protective structure reduces the impact of external forces on the NFC unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9956800B2Reading apparatus and recording apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.05.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US9956800B2 patent drawing
  • US9956800B2 patent drawing
  • US9956800B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A main body portion provided with a document stand on which a document is placed and a reading unit; a cover which opens and closes the document stand; and a near field communication unit on the inside of the cover, are provided.