Expansion Unit Attachment Structure With Cover-Locked Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment structures for functional expansion units in electronic devices, such as image forming apparatuses, face issues with easy detachment due to careless operation of unlocking levers and the use of fasteners, leading to potential theft or damage.
Innovation Solution
An attachment structure with positioning shafts, lock members, and a cover that includes a lock restricting part to prevent unintended detachment, ensuring easy attachment and secure locking without visible fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an externally operable unlocking lever is provided for easy detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to careless operation and potential theft
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is extracted from a visible external lever and integrated into the positioning shaft itself. The positioning shaft includes an unlocking part that can be operated from the insertion side, removing the need for separate external unlocking levers that are vulnerable to careless operation or theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning shaft serves as an intermediary element that combines both positioning and unlocking functions. By making the positioning shaft itself operable for unlocking, the design eliminates the need for separate unlocking mechanisms while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If a protective cover is attached to prevent unlocking lever exposure, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is merged with the positioning shaft, eliminating the need for separate protective covers. The positioning shaft itself can be operated for unlocking from the insertion side, combining security protection with operational accessibility in a single integrated component.
3Reliability
If fasteners such as screws are used for firm attachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to troublesome attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning shaft performs multiple functions: positioning the functional expansion unit, locking it in place through engagement with the lock member, and providing unlocking capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate fasteners like screws, reducing complexity while maintaining firm attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment and detachment operations are simplified through self-contained mechanisms. The positioning shaft and lock member work together to automatically secure the functional expansion unit without requiring additional fastening tools or complex procedures.
4Reliability
If visible fasteners are used for attachment, then reliability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is merged into the positioning shaft and lock member assembly, which can be concealed within the device structure. This eliminates visible external fasteners like screws, maintaining aesthetic appearance while ensuring secure attachment through the integrated locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment structure includes a positioning shaft of a functional expansion unit attachable to an electronic device; a lock member of the functional expansion unit; a positioning hole, into which the positioning shaft of the functional expansion unit is insertable in an attachment direction, in the electronic device; a lock-engageable part of the electronic device, the lock-engageable part engageable with the lock member; and a cover to cover the positioning shaft, the positioning hole, the lock member, and lock-engageable part. The cover includes a lock restricting part on an inner face thereof. The lock restricting part restricts movement of the lock member in an unlocking direction.