Original Cover Closer with Integrated Protective Shell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional original cover closers for office equipment expose internal parts, leading to unsightly appearance and smearing of grease and oil on originals and user hands during operation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A cover member is integrated into the original cover closer to partially cover exposed components such as the actuating member, sliders, and compression coil spring, preventing grease and oil from smearing on the original and user hands, while enhancing the aesthetic appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If internal parts of the original cover closer are exposed to allow mechanism operation, then the mechanism can function properly, but the appearance becomes unfavorable and grease/oil smears on originals and user hands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism operationVSAvoidappearance quality and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cover member is nested within the original cover closer structure, specifically positioned to cover the exposed internal parts (actuating member, sliders, compression coil spring) while allowing the mechanism to operate. The cover member is integrated into the existing hinge mechanism structure, creating a nested configuration that hides harmful elements while preserving functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover member acts as a protective shell or film that covers the internal parts of the original cover closer. This shell structure allows the mechanism to operate internally while preventing grease and oil from smearing on external surfaces, thus protecting against contamination without restricting mechanical movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover member is added to hide internal parts, then appearance and cleanliness are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveappearance quality and contamination preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member is merged with the existing original cover closer structure, specifically integrated with the supporting member and attaching member. This combination approach adds the protective function without creating a completely separate component, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired appearance and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover member serves multiple functions: it improves appearance by hiding internal parts, prevents grease and oil smearing on originals and user hands, and potentially provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution effectively prevents lubricating grease and oil from smearing on the original and user hands, improving the appearance and usability of the original cover closer by ensuring components remain hidden and clean.

Implementation Method 1

a compression coil spring resiliently provided between the first slider and the second slider

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8973218B2Original cover closer and office equipment having the same

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 KEM HONGKONG LTD

AI summary

To provide an original cover closer which prevents inner components from exposure to the outside, when the original cover is opened, and from smears of grease on the end of the original lying on the contact glass, the original cover closer comprises the attaching member, the supporting member assembled by rotatably coupling its own both side plates to the both side plates of the attaching member, the lifting member assembled by rotatably coupling its own both side plates to the both side plates of the supporting member, the pressure bearing member provided between the both side plates of the attaching member, a second slider in contact with the pressure bearing member, and slidably housed between the both side plates of the supporting member; an actuating member attached to the side on which the both side plates of the attaching member rotate via said second hinge pin; a first slider in contact with the actuating member, held by the holding pieces and slidably housed between the both side plates of said supporting member, and a compression coil spring resiliently provided between the first slider and the second slider, wherein a cover member is fixed to the supporting member, for covering at least in part areas of components such as the actuating member, the first slider and the second slider which are exposed to the outside.