Lock Mechanism Nesting in Document Feeder for Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face instability during maintenance due to the projection of the original document holder, which increases the overall height and complexity, especially when an automatic document feeder is attached, leading to reduced stability and increased component count.
Innovation Solution
The integration of first and second lock mechanisms within the cabinet of the original document reading device to control the opening and closing of the original document reading device and holder, respectively, allowing for synchronized movement and reducing the overall height and component count by eliminating the need for external mechanisms and covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the original document holder is supported openable and closable with respect to the original document reading device, then the original document holder can be opened for document placement, but the original document holder projects largely from the apparatus main body causing the center of gravity to shift and installation to become unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into functionally independent segments: the original document reading device can be opened independently for document scanning, while the original document holder can be locked in a closed position during maintenance operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the overall system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The original document holder is designed with dynamic locking capability through the second lock mechanism, allowing it to transition between open and closed states. When locked in the closed state, it maintains a low profile that prevents center of gravity shift, while still being accessible when needed for document placement.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism is disposed outside the apparatus to restrict opening of the upper cover member, then the opening and closing can be controlled, but the overall height of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first lock mechanism is nested within the cabinet of the original document reading device, which itself is positioned within the apparatus main body. This nested arrangement allows the lock mechanism to be housed within existing structural spaces without adding external protrusions, thereby maintaining a compact overall height while providing reliable opening control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the lock mechanism vertically outward from the apparatus, it is positioned horizontally within the cabinet space. This dimensional repositioning moves the lock mechanism from an external vertical arrangement to an internal horizontal arrangement, controlling cover opening without increasing the apparatus height.
3Ease of operation
If a moving mechanism is used to cause the original document pressing part to move synchronously with the original document reading part, then the opening movement is coordinated, but the moving mechanism becomes complex and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first lock mechanism simultaneously controls the opening and closing of both the original document reading device and the upper cover member. By merging the control function into a single mechanism, coordinated movement is achieved without requiring separate moving mechanisms for each component, thereby reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first lock mechanism serves multiple functions: it locks the original document reading device, controls the upper cover member opening, and coordinates their synchronized movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated moving mechanisms for each component, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining coordinated operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an automatic document feeder is attached to the original document holder, then document feeding capability is enhanced, but the original document holder as a whole increases in weight making installation more unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented such that the heavy automatic document feeder is attached to the original document holder, which can then be locked in a stable closed position by the second lock mechanism. This segmentation allows the ADF to provide enhanced document feeding capability while the locking mechanism ensures the combined weight does not compromise installation stability during maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes: an apparatus main body with an opening formed on an upper face thereof; an original document reading device that opens and closes the opening; an original document holder that is supported openably and closably by the original document reading device; a first lock mechanism that locks opening and closing of the original document reading device with respect to the apparatus main body; and a second lock mechanism that locks opening and closing of the original document holder with respect to the original document reading device, in which the first lock mechanism and the second lock mechanism are disposed inside a cabinet of the original document reading device.