Numerical Key Unit Cable Routing for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing image forming apparatus with externally connected input devices face issues of cable interference with peripheral equipment and accidental cable disconnection due to exposed cables.
Innovation Solution
The input device is designed with a casing that mounts on the image forming apparatus, featuring a main assembly-side cable exposed through an opening in the casing for electrical connection, and a numerical key portion with hardware keys on the casing's surface, preventing cable exposure and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cable is exposed from the casing to connect the input device and the image forming apparatus, then electrical connection is achieved, but the cable interferes with peripheral equipment and is liable to be erroneously pulled out
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is nested within the casing structure by passing it through an opening at the bottom of the casing. The cable routing is integrated into the casing design, allowing the cable to be concealed within the device housing rather than exposed externally. This nesting approach eliminates cable interference with peripheral equipment and prevents erroneous pulling out while maintaining electrical connection between the input device and image forming apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing acts as an intermediary structure that mediates the connection between the input device and the image forming apparatus. Instead of exposing the cable directly, the casing provides a protected pathway for the cable to pass through, isolating the cable from external interference and user interaction that could cause disconnection.
2Ease of operation
If the numerical key portion is disposed on the upper surface of the casing, then tactile input capability is provided, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The numerical key portion is merged with the casing structure by disposing it directly on the upper surface of the casing. This integration combines the casing's protective function with the input interface function, eliminating the need for separate housing structures for the keyboard and reducing overall device complexity despite adding tactile input capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A numerical key unit 70 mounted in a mounting portion 12 of an image forming apparatus 1 and card reader of inputting information to the image forming apparatus 1 includes a casing 71 mounted on the mounting portion 12, an operating key 100 comprised of a hardware key capable of inputting information on a numerical value, a substrate 73 provided inside the casing 71, a main assembly-side cable 76 connected to a connector 85 mounted on the substrate 73 and electrically connecting the image forming apparatus 1 and the numerical key unit 70, and a first opening 71a through which the main assembly-side cable 76 is inserted. The first opening 71a is provided on a bottom of the casing 71 so that in a thickness direction of the substrate 73, the main assembly-side cable 76 is exposed to an outside of the casing 71 from a surface on a side opposite from a surface where the operating key 100 is provided.