Media Storage Conveyance Path Rotation for Wide Maintenance Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional media storage units face challenges in maintenance and repair due to the need to unlock a locking device for opening the conveyance path, limited accessibility for inspection and repair, narrow opening space, and potential damage during path rotation.

Innovation Solution

A conveyance path opening/closing structure with a first and second conveyance path, guided by rotation link parts, allowing 180° rotation without interference, and a transparent cover for visual inspection, enabling easy maintenance and repair without unlocking the locking device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the locking device is unlocked using a key to open the conveyance path, then the conveyance path can be opened for maintenance and repair, but the maintenance and repair process becomes inconvenient and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of opening conveyance pathVSAvoidtime for maintenance and repair

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyance path is divided into a first conveyance path (inward from main body) and a second conveyance path (outward from main body). The second conveyance path can be independently rotated and opened without unlocking the locking device, allowing maintenance personnel to access specific sections for maintenance without the need to unlock the entire structure with a key.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second conveyance path is designed to be rotatable about an axis, guided by rotation link parts. This dynamic structure allows the second conveyance path to be rotated to various angles (including 180 degrees) to facilitate maintenance access, eliminating the need for static opening via key-based locking device manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the conveyance path is rotatable only to a certain angle, then the structure remains compact, but the space for maintenance and repair becomes narrow and small

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace for maintenance and repairVSAvoidrotation angle limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The second conveyance path is designed to rotate in multiple dimensions, guided by rotation link parts that enable both vertical and horizontal rotation movements. This allows the second conveyance path to be positioned in various orientations (including rotating 180 degrees to face outward), providing ample space for maintenance personnel to work comfortably without being constrained by narrow access spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of repair

If the conveyance path is rotated for opening, then the conveyance path can be accessed, but the conveyance surface may be damaged due to scratching by a counterpart

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of conveyance pathVSAvoiddamage to conveyance surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Rotation link parts serve as intermediary components between the first and second conveyance paths. These link parts include rotating members and rotating shafts that guide the rotation movement, ensuring that the second conveyance path rotates smoothly without directly contacting or scratching the first conveyance path's surface, thus preventing damage while enabling access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact rotation with a guided rotation system using rotation link parts. Instead of the second conveyance path directly rubbing against the first conveyance path during rotation, the rotation is mediated through rotating members and shafts that control the movement trajectory, eliminating surface scratching while maintaining rotational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the inside of the conveyance path cannot be checked through visual inspection, then the structure remains simple, but it is difficult to identify whether maintenance and repair is necessary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual inspection capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent cover made of transparent material is coupled to the outer side surface of the second conveyance path. This transparent cover allows maintenance personnel to visually inspect the interior of the conveyance path, including the first conveyance path, without disassembling or opening the structure, enabling easy identification of maintenance needs while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Data Source

PatentEP4645276A1Conveyance path opening and closing structure of media storage unit

Publication Date: 2025.11.05 HYOSUNG TNS INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

One embodiment provides a conveyance path opening/closing structure of a media storage unit, the conveyance path opening/closing structure including a main body in which a media storage space is formed and a conveyance path provided on one side portion of the main body and along which media are conveyed, wherein the conveyance path includes a first conveyance path located inward from the main body and a second conveyance path located opposite to the first conveyance path and located outward from the main body, and rotation link parts guiding rotation of the second conveyance path to open/close the conveyance path are connected to one side end of the second conveyance path.