Partially Exposed Sliding Keyboard for Compact Image-Forming Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image forming apparatuses with fixed keyboards face challenges such as increased size, reduced arrangement freedom, and difficulty in intuitively locating the keyboard due to complete storage within the main body, leading to potential damage and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A sliding keyboard mechanism that moves between a storage position, where it is partially exposed, and a withdrawal position, allowing intuitive recognition and easy access, while minimizing space usage and reducing damage risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the keyboard is completely stored inside the main body, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the keyboard position becomes hard to locate and access
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is designed to be movable between a stored position inside the main body and a usable position outside, transitioning from a static to a dynamic configuration. This allows the keyboard to be compact when not in use and easily accessible when needed, resolving the contradiction between small apparatus size and keyboard accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is nested within the main body of the apparatus when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. The keyboard can be fully or partially stored inside the housing, allowing the apparatus to maintain a compact form factor while still providing access to the keyboard when required.
2Volume of moving object
If the keyboard is completely stored inside the main body, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable keyboard design allows the user to keep the keyboard in a partially exposed position rather than completely stored, balancing protection with accessibility. The keyboard can be positioned according to usage needs, providing protection when stored and accessibility when exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body housing serves as a protective structure that cushions and protects the keyboard when it is stored inside. The housing provides a safe environment for the keyboard, protecting it from external damage while maintaining the compact apparatus size.
3Device complexity
If the keyboard is fixed on the main body, then the arrangement freedom is reduced, but the keyboard position is stable
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard transitions from a fixed to a movable configuration, allowing flexible arrangement while maintaining stability during use. The keyboard can be positioned and locked in place during operation, providing both arrangement freedom and operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyboard is pre-positioned in a stored position within the main body, and the user performs the action of moving it to the desired location before use. This preliminary positioning allows flexible arrangement while ensuring the keyboard is ready and stable when needed.
4Ease of operation
If the keyboard is partially exposed in storage position, then the accessibility is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The keyboard is partially exposed rather than fully stored or fully extended, applying partial action to achieve a balance between accessibility and compact size. This partial exposure provides enough access for user operation while maintaining a relatively compact apparatus form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
An example image forming device includes a printing portion to print an image on a print medium, a protruding portion protruding upward from an upper surface of the printing portion and comprising an accommodation portion, and a keyboard movable between a storage position in which the keyboard is partially stored in the accommodation portion and a withdrawal position in which the keyboard is withdrawn from the accommodation portion. In the storage position, the keyboard is positioned inside an outermost surface of the printing portion.