Counterweight Adjusting Member for MFP Top Cover Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Multi-Function Printers (MFPs) face operability issues due to limited top cover opening angle, which complicates maintenance tasks like sheet jams and consumable exchanges, as the center of gravity shifts significantly when the top cover is opened, making it difficult to access and remove components effectively.
Innovation Solution
An adjusting member is introduced to shift the center of gravity by projecting from the apparatus main body, allowing the top cover to be opened up to 90°, improving operability during maintenance. This member is detachable, enclosable, and engages with the apparatus main body or auxiliary trays, using a plate-shaped base with arm portions and convex projections, and elastic members to maintain balance and prevent deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the top cover is opened for maintenance, then access to internal components is improved, but the center of gravity shifts significantly making the apparatus unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a balance member (counterweight) that can be positioned to offset the center of gravity shift caused by opening the top cover. This counterweight compensates for the weight distribution change, maintaining apparatus stability during maintenance operations without requiring the top cover to remain closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance member is designed to be movable between different positions (inside and outside the apparatus body). This dynamic repositioning allows the center of gravity to be adjusted according to operational needs - maintaining stability during normal operation while enabling access during maintenance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the top cover opening angle is limited to 30-45 degrees, then apparatus stability is maintained, but maintenance operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The balance member acts as a counterweight that compensates for the moment created by opening the top cover at larger angles. This allows the top cover to be opened to 90 degrees or more for maintenance access while the balance member offsets the resulting instability, eliminating the need to limit the opening angle.
3Ease of operation
If the balance member is positioned outside the apparatus body, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but occupied space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance member is designed to be repositionable between an inside position (when not needed) and an outside position (during maintenance). This dynamic characteristic allows the apparatus to minimize occupied space during normal operation while providing maintenance accessibility when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance member is designed as a separate, detachable component rather than an integrated part of the apparatus body. This segmentation allows it to be easily removed or repositioned outside the apparatus when needed for maintenance, and then stored inside when not needed, minimizing permanent space occupation.
Data Source
AI summary
A closable member is arranged in an upper portion of an apparatus main body. A center of gravity is shifted by opening the closable member. The apparatus has an adjusting member of the position of the center of gravity which is arranged out of the apparatus main body so as to be projected therefrom in an edge portion on the side where the center of gravity in the apparatus main body is shifted. Since the closable member can be opened by about 90°, the operability upon performing maintenance of a multi function printer can be improved.