Operation Panel Brake Mechanism for Low-Force Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image forming apparatuses have a constant braking force applied to the operation panel, making it difficult to rotate the panel to change angles without applying a strong force.

Innovation Solution

The image forming apparatus incorporates a brake mechanism with a gear portion, a body-side gear, a button, and a bias member, allowing the braking force to be adjusted by moving the button along the axial direction, thereby reducing the bias force and frictional force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a constant braking force is applied to the operation panel, then the panel can be stopped at an arbitrary angle, but it becomes difficult to rotate the panel without applying a strong force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to stop at arbitrary angleVSAvoiddifficulty to rotate panel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brake mechanism transitions from a static constant braking force to a dynamic adjustable braking force. The button can be pressed to reduce the bias force applied by the bias member, thereby reducing the braking force temporarily during rotation operation, and automatically restores the normal braking force when the button is released.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The braking force parameter is made changeable through the button mechanism. By pressing the button, the bias force parameter is reduced, which directly reduces the braking force parameter. This allows the operational parameter (braking force) to be adjusted according to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a strong force is applied to rotate the operation panel, then the panel can overcome the braking force, but it increases the effort required for angle adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to rotate panelVSAvoideffort required for rotation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Before rotating the operation panel, the user presses the button in advance to reduce the braking force. This preliminary action prepares the system for easier rotation by reducing the opposing force before the rotation operation begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution enables the operation panel to be rotated with a relatively small force and stopped at an arbitrary angle, improving user convenience and reducing the effort required to change panel angles.

Implementation Method 1

a frictional force is generated between the gear and the apparatus body, and this frictional force puts a brake on a rotation of the gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The brake mechanism is capable of reducing a braking force applied to a rotation of the body-side gear by moving the button along the axial direction in a direction in which the button moves away from the body-side gear and thus reducing a bias force of the bias member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12320399B2Image forming apparatus capable of reducing braking force applied to rotation of operation panel

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An image forming apparatus includes a brake mechanism which supports an operation panel with respect to an apparatus body such that the operation panel can be stopped at an arbitrary angle. The brake mechanism includes a gear portion, a body-side gear, a button, and a bias member. The gear portion is formed about a rotation shaft in the operation panel. The body-side gear intermeshes with the gear portion and rotates about the rotation shaft. The button is movable in an axial direction of the rotation shaft. The bias member is arranged between the button and the body-side gear and biases the body-side gear along the axial direction. The brake mechanism is capable of reducing a braking force applied to a rotation of the body-side gear by moving the button along the axial direction in a direction in which it moves away from the body-side gear and reducing a bias force.