Off-Center Button Member for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining operability and visibility when downsized, as conventional button designs do not effectively support reduced sizes while ensuring easy user interaction.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a button member with a pressing portion, first and second elastic portions, and an abutting portion, where the switch and pressing portion are positioned off-center, and the abutting portion contacts the substrate at a location overlapping with or not overlapping the button contour, enhancing usability and visibility by distributing force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the image forming apparatus is downsized, then the size of the apparatus is reduced, but the operability and visibility of buttons deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the switch and pressing portion off-center within the button structure, creating an asymmetric layout that optimizes space utilization while maintaining button functionality. The abutting portion is positioned at specific locations relative to the button contour, creating an asymmetric force distribution that enhances operability in a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning the abutting portion to contact the substrate at locations that may overlap with or be outside the button contour. This multi-dimensional positioning allows the button mechanism to maintain effective leverage and operability without increasing the button's projected area, thus enabling downsizing of the overall apparatus
2Area of moving object
If the button size is reduced for downsizing, then space is saved, but the visibility of the button deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the button structure. The abutting portion is positioned to contact the substrate at specific locations that may extend beyond the visible button contour, creating a functional region that is distinct from the visible region. This allows the visible button area to be minimized for downsizing while the extended abutting portion maintains operational effectiveness
3Device complexity
If the switch and pressing portion are positioned at the center of the button, then the design is simple, but the operability is reduced when downsized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately positions the switch and pressing portion off-center within the button structure, creating an asymmetric layout that optimizes space utilization while maintaining button functionality. The abutting portion is positioned at specific locations relative to the button contour, creating an asymmetric force distribution that enhances operability in a compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The button structure is segmented into distinct functional portions: the pressing portion for user input, the switch for signal generation, and the abutting portion for structural support and force transmission. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned independently, improving overall operability while maintaining a compact design
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 ensures improved visibility and maintainable operability even in downsized image forming apparatuses, supporting efficient user interaction and reduced space usage.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic portion elastically deformed and connected to said pressing portion, a second elastic portion elastically deformed and connected to said pressing portion
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a control substrate, an operating unit including a button, a button member and a substrate including a switch provided below the button member. The button member includes a pressing portion for pressing the switch, first and second elastic portions, and an abutting portion capable of contacting a portion other than the switch of the substrate. As viewed from a pressing direction, the switch and the pressing member are disposed in a place other than a center of the button, the abutting portion is positioned in one side and the pressing portion is in the other side with respect to a virtual line connecting a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion connecting the first and second elastic portion and the button, respectively. The abutting portion is disposed on a position overlapping with a contour of the operating portion or a position non-overlapping with the operating portion.