NFC Panel Board Layout for Image Forming Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming devices require a large interior space to accommodate control boards, operational buttons, and NFC boards, which hinders space efficiency and can lead to unintended operations during NFC communication.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a casing with an image forming unit, a first board with a loop antenna, and an operational button exposed through a surface opening, allowing for compact placement and preventing interference during NFC communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the control board, operational buttons, and NFC board are arranged in the panel unit, then the image forming device can perform wireless communication and control operations, but the interior space required becomes relatively large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidinterior space of panel unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the NFC board and control board into a single integrated panel unit structure. The NFC board is positioned within the panel unit's interior space, while the control board is arranged on the surface of the panel unit, merging multiple functional components into one compact assembly that reduces overall space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space arrangement by positioning the NFC board in the interior volume of the panel unit while placing the control board on the external surface. This vertical stacking and spatial distribution across different dimensions allows both components to coexist without requiring additional horizontal space, thereby reducing the overall interior space footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the operational button is placed in the panel unit, then user operation is enabled, but unintended operations may occur during NFC communication

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser input capabilityVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the operational button from the interior space of the panel unit and positions it on the external surface. This separation ensures that the button is accessible for user operation from the outside, while being physically isolated from the NFC communication area, thereby preventing unintended operations during wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates distinct functional zones within the panel unit: the interior space houses the NFC board for wireless communication, while the external surface accommodates the operational button for user input. This spatial differentiation of functional qualities allows both NFC communication and button operation to occur simultaneously without interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enables a space-saving image forming device that minimizes interference and unintended operations by strategically placing the NFC board and operational buttons, enhancing usability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a near field communication ('NFC') board that enables a short-range wireless communication with an information terminal device, such as a smartphone and a tablet device, in compliance with standardized NFC technology

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10666822B2Image forming device having a panel board with a tactile switch
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • US10666822B2 patent drawing
  • US10666822B2 patent drawing
  • US10666822B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An image forming device includes a casing, an image forming unit, a first board, and an operational button. The image forming unit and the first board are disposed in the casing. The first board has a first opening extending through the first board, and a loop antenna disposed around the first opening. The operational button is located in the casing through the first opening. The operational button has a top surface exposed to an exterior of the casing.