Operation Unit Support for Scanner Interference in Recording Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In recording apparatuses with a scanner unit that rotates to open and close, the operation panel often interferes with the scanner unit due to a wobbly rotating shaft, requiring removal for maintenance, which reduces the effectiveness of maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
A recording apparatus design that includes a support means within the recording mechanism unit to maintain the operation unit at a distance from the scanner unit's edge, allowing the scanner unit to open without interference, while keeping the operation unit connected to the control unit via a cable, enabling maintenance and operation even when the scanner unit is open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the operation panel is arranged adjacent to the scanner unit, then the device structure is compact, but the operation panel interferes with the scanner unit when opening due to wobbly rotating shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is segmented from the scanner unit through a detachable coupling mechanism. The operation unit can be coupled to the scanner unit's circumferential edge in normal operation, but can be released and repositioned when the scanner unit needs to be opened, eliminating interference while maintaining compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation unit's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. It can transition between being coupled to the scanner unit (compact configuration) and being released to a different position (open configuration), allowing the system to adapt between compactness and operational clearance.
2Ease of operation
If the operation panel is removed from the installation position, then interference with the scanner unit is avoided, but the operation panel cannot remain connected to the control unit
Solution Approach 1:
A cable serves as an intermediary element between the operation unit and the control unit. This flexible connection allows the operation unit to be repositioned away from the scanner unit while maintaining electrical and data connectivity, enabling both interference-free opening and continued operational control.
3Ease of operation
If the operation panel is placed at a position away from the recording mechanism unit, then interference is avoided, but maintainability is reduced due to inability to test-operate
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit's position is made dynamic rather than fixed. It can transition between being coupled to the scanner unit (compact configuration) and being released to a different position (open configuration), allowing the system to adapt between compactness and operational clearance.
4Ease of operation
If a support means is provided to hold the operation unit at a distance, then the scanner unit can open without interference, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The operation unit is designed to be self-supporting when released from the scanner unit. It can maintain its repositioned state without requiring active support mechanisms, reducing structural complexity while still enabling interference-free opening operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A recording apparatus includes a recording mechanism unit, an opening/closing unit that is rotatably coupled to the recording mechanism unit in an upper portion of the recording mechanism unit, an operation unit which is arranged to face a circumferential edge of the opening/closing unit and is able to have a coupling state in which the operation unit and the opening/closing unit are coupled together and a released state in which the coupling state is released, a cable that connects a control unit with the operation unit, and a support means which is provided in the recording mechanism unit and which supports the operation unit that is in the released state and is connected to the control unit by the cable in a state in which a distance between the operation unit and the circumferential edge of the opening/closing unit is greater than that in the coupling state.