Extended Operation Device Pin Mounting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extended operation devices for image forming apparatuses, such as numeric keypads, require cumbersome screw-based attachment and detachment, which complicates operation and increases the size of the apparatus due to dedicated mounting bases.
Innovation Solution
An extended operation device with a pair of insertion pins that mount into corresponding holes in the apparatus body, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without screws, and providing stable support to reduce the apparatus's size and enhance operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw-based attachment is used for the extended operation device, then the mounting is secure and stable, but the operation becomes cumbersome and the apparatus size increases due to dedicated mounting bases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into separate components: insertion portions on the extended operation device body and corresponding insertion holes in the apparatus body. This allows the device to be mounted by simply inserting it into the holes without requiring screws or dedicated mounting bases, thereby simplifying the mounting operation while maintaining stability through the insertion structure
Solution Approach 2:
The screw-based mounting system and dedicated mounting bases are completely removed from the design. Instead, the patent uses a minimal insertion structure where the extended operation device is directly inserted into insertion holes provided in the apparatus body, eliminating the need for complex mounting mechanisms while achieving secure attachment
2Reliability
If screw-based attachment is used for the extended operation device, then the mounting is secure, but the apparatus size increases due to dedicated mounting bases
Solution Approach 1:
Dedicated mounting bases are completely extracted from the design. The extended operation device is mounted directly into insertion holes provided in the apparatus body without requiring additional mounting structures, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining secure mounting through the insertion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is merged into the apparatus body structure itself through the insertion holes, eliminating the need for separate mounting bases. The extended operation device integrates directly with the apparatus body via the insertion portions and holes, reducing overall volume while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
An extended operation device mountable to and demountable from an apparatus body includes an extended operation device body, an operation device, and a pair of insertion portions. The pair of insertion portions extend in a first direction parallel to an operation surface of the operation device with respect to the extended operation device body. One insertion portion and the other insertion portion of the pair of insertion portions are provided on one side and the other side, respectively, of the extended operation device body with respect to a central position of the extended operation device body in a second direction that is parallel to the operation surface of the operation device and intersects the first direction. The pair of insertion portions are inserted into a pair of insertion holes provided in the apparatus body to mount the extended operation device to the apparatus body.