Printer Connector Cover Structure for Dust-Protected Multi-Interface Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers face issues with dust and dirt entry through openings in connector covers when multiple interface connectors are used, requiring additional covers for each opening, which complicates manufacturing and increases parts count.
Innovation Solution
A printer design with a single connector cover that accommodates multiple interfaces, featuring integrated opening cover portions that prevent dust and dirt entry while allowing easy cable insertion and removal, reducing the need for multiple covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single connector cover with multiple opening portions is used to accommodate multiple interface connectors, then the device complexity and parts count are reduced, but dust and dirt can enter through opening portions where cables are not inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector cover is segmented into multiple opening cover portions, where each opening cover portion corresponds to a specific opening portion. These opening cover portions can be selectively attached or detached based on cable insertion status, allowing the single connector cover to maintain both low complexity and protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening cover portions are designed to be movable or removable rather than fixed, enabling dynamic adaptation to different cable connection states. This allows the cover structure to transition between open and closed states for different openings simultaneously, maintaining protection without requiring a completely different cover for each configuration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional covers are provided for each opening portion to prevent dust and dirt entry, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple opening cover portions are merged into a single connector cover component. Rather than manufacturing and assembling separate covers for each opening, the design integrates all opening covers into one unified structure that can be produced as a single part, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining protective functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector cover with multiple opening cover portions serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects multiple different interface connectors, accommodates various cable configurations, and maintains a unified aesthetic appearance. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for different specialized covers for different connector types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer (1) includes: a board (3) including a connector unit (30) that includes at least a power supply connector (31) into which a power cable (71) is to be removably inserted; and a housing (2) including: a housing main body (21) that accommodates the board (3) and includes a cable connection groove (215) through which the power cable (71) is inserted in an inserting and removing direction of the power cable (71); and a connector cover (25) configured to cover the cable connection groove (215), wherein the connector cover (25) includes: a cover main body (26) including a power supply opening portion (50) passing through the cover main body (26) in the inserting and removing direction, and a first interface opening portion (51) passing through the cover main body (26) in the inserting and removing direction; and a first opening cover portion (60) configured to cover at least a part of the first interface opening portion (51), wherein the first opening cover portion (60) includes a first coupling portion (61) configured to couple the first opening cover portion (60) and the cover main body (26) to each other. ein the first opening cover portion is formed so as to be larger than the first interface opening portion, and formed so as to overlap the entire first interface opening portion when seen from the inserting and removing direction.