Multifunction Device Cover Section Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multifunction devices lack the ability to utilize space above them, as existing configurations prevent objects from being placed on the upper part, leading to increased size and inconvenience, especially in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction device with a document tray in the upper part, a cover section, a reading section inside, and an inserting section that allows documents to be placed between the tray and the cover without opening the cover, enabling space utilization above the device and eliminating the need for a top plate, while providing improved user operability through strategically located inserting and opening sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a top plate is provided to place objects on the upper part of the multifunction device, then space utilization above the device is improved, but the height of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover section is designed to serve dual purposes: it protects the reading section when closed, and functions as a surface for placing objects when open. This eliminates the need for a separate top plate while maintaining space utilization capability without increasing device height.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover section transitions between closed and open states dynamically. When closed, it protects internal components; when open, it provides a functional surface for object placement. This dynamic behavior allows the same structure to serve multiple functions at different times, avoiding the need for additional height-increasing components.
2Manufacturing precision
If a document placing tray with cover is provided to press documents, then document reading accuracy is improved, but the device size and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover section is merged with the document pressing function. When the cover is closed, it naturally applies pressure to documents on the document tray, eliminating the need for a separate pressing mechanism. This integration maintains document reading accuracy while avoiding additional volume increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the reading section, provides a surface for object placement, and applies pressure to documents for accurate scanning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components that would increase device volume.
3Ease of operation
If the cover is opened to place documents on the tray, then document placement ease is improved, but the device cannot maintain compact design
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of opening the cover to place documents (traditional approach), the invention allows documents to be inserted from the side when the cover is closed. This inverted approach maintains the compact height while still enabling easy document placement through the openable cover mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The document insertion mechanism is segmented into two paths: documents can be placed by opening the cover from the top, or by inserting through the openable cover from the side. This segmentation provides multiple operation modes, maintaining ease of use while preserving compact dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifunction device includes a case having a document tray provided in an upper part, a cover section provided above the case and covering the document tray, a reading section held in an inside part of the case and scanning a document that is placed in the document tray, a recording section held in the inside of the case and recording on a paper as a recoding medium, an inserting section inserting the document between the document tray and the cover section, and an opening section for discharging a recording medium provided in the case and discharging the paper recorded by the recording section. The inserting section functions as an exit that discharges the document from between the document tray and the cover section.