Cover Opening Mechanism with Bendable Connecting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing cover opening-closing mechanisms in sheet feeders are prone to fatigue and potential damage due to excessive loads applied to the connecting members, which can lead to breakage when the cover is excessively opened, compromising the structural integrity of both the cover and the housing.

Innovation Solution

A cover opening-closing mechanism that includes a connecting member with a bendable portion to restrict the rotational range of the cover, utilizing a first and second contact portion to hold the cover in a predetermined position, and a shaft supporter to allow rotation around a rotational axis, thereby distributing loads and preventing excessive opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the stopper is used to restrict the rotatable range of the cover, then the cover and housing are protected from excessive opening, but the stopper is likely to fatigue and break due to excessive load from the cover weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from excessive openingVSAvoidstopper durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the holding function from the stopper by introducing a separate holding mechanism (contact portions). The stopper is now dedicated solely to restricting the rotatable range, while the contact portions handle holding the cover in the open state, separating the functions to reduce load on the stopper

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The stopper was previously serving dual functions (restricting rotation and holding the cover open). The invention makes the stopper's function more specialized by extracting the holding function, allowing the stopper to focus on its primary restriction function without the additional burden of supporting cover weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the cover is excessively opened, then the sheet conveyance path is exposed for maintenance, but the cover and housing might be damaged due to excessive load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance accessVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding mechanism (contact portions) is designed to automatically engage when the cover reaches the predetermined open position, preliminarily securing the cover before any excessive opening can occur. This prevents the cover from being accidentally over-opened while maintaining easy access for maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9133657B2Cover opening-closing mechanism and sheet feeder having the same

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 BROTHER KOGYO KK

AI summary

A cover opening-closing mechanism is provided, which is configured to allow a cover to rotate around a rotational axis with respect to a housing, the cover opening-closing mechanism including a connecting member configured to connect the housing with the cover, a first contact portion disposed at the cover, and a second contact portion disposed at the housing, the second contact portion configured to contact the first contact portion of the cover so as to hold the cover in a hold position relative to the housing.