Optical Scanner Casing Stacking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical scanning device casings are inefficiently transported and stored due to individual packaging, leading to increased costs and space requirements, as they cannot be stacked with the lid attached, which complicates compact storage and transportation of assembled devices.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a casing design with a main body and lid featuring positioning mechanisms that allow for stacking of both the main body alone and the assembled casing in multiple stages, utilizing engaging protrusions and recesses to secure horizontal and vertical alignment, thereby enabling efficient stacking and reducing transport and storage needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If casings are individually packed with space between them for transport, then the casing is protected from damage, but the transport cost and storage space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into two separate parts: the main body and the lid. This segmentation allows the main bodies to be stacked efficiently for transport and storage, while the lids can be separately managed. The engagement protrusions and recesses enable the segmented parts to reconnect when needed, maintaining protection while improving space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple main bodies are stacked vertically to form a nested arrangement, with engagement protrusions on upper main bodies fitting into engagement recesses on lower main bodies. This nesting approach allows multiple casings to occupy the space of a single casing during transport, dramatically reducing storage volume while maintaining individual protection.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple main bodies are stacked without positioning mechanisms, then storage space is reduced, but the horizontal and vertical alignment is poor leading to instability
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement protrusions and recesses are designed to automatically guide and align stacked main bodies without requiring external positioning tools or mechanisms. When main bodies are stacked, the protrusions naturally fit into the recesses, self-correcting any misalignment and ensuring proper horizontal and vertical positioning. This self-aligning feature provides both stability and ease of use.
3Productivity
If the lid is removed for stacking, then storage efficiency improves, but the casing structure is compromised and requires reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into main body and lid segments that can be independently handled. The main bodies are designed with engagement features that allow stacking without the lids, while the lids retain their engagement protrusions to attach to the main bodies when needed. This segmentation enables flexible stacking operations while preserving the ability to reassemble complete casings.
Data Source
AI summary
A casing for an optical scanning device is configured to accommodate therein a scanning optical system. The casing includes a main body, a lid, a first positioning mechanism, and a second positioning mechanism. The main body includes an opening formed in an upper face. The lid closes the opening of the main body. The first positioning mechanism positions, when a plurality of the main bodies are stacked in a plurality of stages, the main body on an upper stage in a horizontal direction and a height direction, with respect to the main body on a lower stage. The second positioning mechanism positions, when a plurality of the casings, each having the lid attached thereto, are stacked in a plurality of stages, the casing on the upper stage in the horizontal direction and the height direction, with respect to the casing on the lower stage.