Operation Panel Push Key Return Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional operation panels in image forming apparatuses using elastic members for push key return mechanisms are prone to deformation and breakage due to complex structures and require additional supporting components, leading to potential return failure and increased production complexity.

Innovation Solution

An operation panel design featuring a push key with a tapered part that elastically deforms a panel-mounted elastic piece for return, eliminating the need for separate elastic members or hinges, and integrating the elastic pieces within the panel body for a simpler structure and reduced risk of slip-off.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hinge or elastic arm member is used to support the push key, then the push key can return to its original position, but the structure becomes complicated and the member is easily deformed or broken

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush key return reliabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic piece is integrated directly into the panel body, merging the support function with the panel structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate hinge or elastic arm members, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the push key return function through the elastic deformation of the integrated piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex hinge and elastic arm member structures are extracted and replaced by a simpler elastic piece that is directly formed in the panel body. This extraction of unnecessary complexity resolves the contradiction by keeping only the essential elastic support function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a hinge or elastic arm member is used, then the push key return function is achieved, but additional supporting components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush key return functionVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic piece is combined with the panel body as an integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate supporting components. This reduction in component quantity directly addresses the contradiction while preserving the push key return function through the elastic properties of the integrated piece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a complex support structure is used, then the push key can be supported, but the mold to produce the member becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush key supportVSAvoidmold complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic piece is merged with the panel body as a single integrated component, which simplifies the molding process. Instead of requiring complex molds for separate hinges or elastic arm members, the elastic piece can be formed directly in the panel body mold, reducing mold complexity and easing manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the elastic piece is inclined toward the tapered part, then the push key returns reliably, but the elastic piece is subjected to deformation stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepush key return consistencyVSAvoidelastic piece durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic piece has different structural characteristics at different locations: it is inclined toward the tapered part to ensure reliable push key return, while being integrally formed with the panel body for overall strength. This local differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between return reliability and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides a reliable and cost-effective push key return mechanism that prevents slip-off and simplifies production, ensuring consistent operation and reducing the risk of mechanical failure, while allowing for a hidden operation mode to prevent accidental activation.

Implementation Method 1

The panel body includes an elastic piece inclined toward the tapered part from a circumference of the opening and elastically deformable to an opposite side to the tapered part. When the push key is depressed, the elastic piece is elastically deformed to the opposite side by the tapered part. When the depressing of the push key is released, the push key is pushed up by an elastic restoring force of the elastic piece.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10937608B2Operation panel and image forming apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An operation panel includes a push key and a switch. The push key is depressed through an opening formed in a panel body. The switch is pushed by depressing of the push key. The push key includes a tapered part tapered toward the switch. The panel body includes an elastic piece inclined toward the tapered part from a circumference of the opening and elastically deformable to an opposite side to the tapered part. When the push key is depressed, the elastic piece is elastically deformed to the opposite side by the tapered part. When the depressing of the push key is released, the push key is pushed up by an elastic restoring force of the elastic piece.