Operation Panel Structure with Dual-Axis Pivoting for Ergonomic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operation panels in image data input/output devices, such as scanners and copiers, do not adequately comply with universal design principles, leading to inconvenience for users of varying heights and those in wheelchairs, as they often protrude forward, causing ergonomic issues and interference with the machine and the operator's body.
Innovation Solution
An operation panel structure with a first section for display and a second section for operation keys, where both sections are oriented at different angles orthogonal to the device's width direction, with the second section being semicircular and positioned in front of the first section, allowing for adjustable pivoting to accommodate various user heights and postures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation panel protrudes forward to improve visibility and operability, then the display and key operation become more accessible, but the panel interferes with the operator's body and other parts of the copying machine
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel is configured to pivot in the width direction (lateral pivoting) in addition to vertical pivoting, adding a dimensional degree of freedom. This allows the panel to be oriented at different angles relative to the front surface of the copying machine body, enabling it to clear the operator's body path while maintaining visibility and accessibility when positioned at appropriate angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel is made dynamically adjustable through dual-axis pivoting mechanisms. The panel can be positioned at different angles in both vertical and horizontal dimensions, allowing it to adapt to different operator positions and machine configurations, thereby reducing interference while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the operation panel is fixed at a specific angle to improve structural simplicity, then manufacturing and installation are easier, but it cannot accommodate operators of different heights and physical characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The operation panel incorporates dual-axis pivoting mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of the panel's orientation. The panel can pivot vertically and laterally, enabling it to be positioned at multiple angles to accommodate operators of different heights, statures, and physical characteristics, as well as operators in wheelchairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation panel is designed with universal adaptability through its ability to assume multiple positions and orientations. This multi-position capability allows the same panel structure to serve diverse user needs without requiring customization, achieving universality in accommodating different operator types.
3Illumination intensity
If the display section and key operation section are arranged side by side in the vertical direction to improve visibility, then the display is more visible, but the front portion of the operation panel protrudes forward and becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of only vertical arrangement, the invention utilizes lateral (width direction) positioning through pivoting. The operation panel can be angled laterally to clear the protrusion issue while maintaining vertical arrangement for display visibility, or can be positioned at angles that reduce overall front protrusion by distributing the panel's footprint across different spatial dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation panel structure for an image forming apparatus, said operation panel, structure having an operation panel protruding from a front side of the image forming apparatus. The operation panel has a first section mainly functioning as a display and a second section mainly having operation keys, and the first section and the second section are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the width direction of the image forming apparatus at respective specified angles to a horizontal plane. The second section is located in front of the first section. The first section is rectangular in a plan view, and the second section is substantially semicircular in a plan view. A front edge of the first section and a rear linear edge of the second section are connected to each other.