Printer Operation Panel Cover and Pressing Member Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues with dirt accumulation on the operation and display sections, and the light emitting section becoming dirty, leading to decreased visibility and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a cover member and a pressing member that can be easily detached for cleaning, with the cover member protecting the perimeter of the display and operation keys and the pressing member supporting the light emitting section to prevent breakage and facilitate visibility while preventing dirt ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation sheet and display section are fully exposed for user access, then ease of operation is improved, but dirt accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation sheet is divided into a removable front portion and a fixed rear portion. The front portion can be detached for cleaning while the rear portion remains attached to the apparatus body, allowing selective cleaning of the dirt-prone areas without affecting the operational components.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation sheet transitions from a static fully-exposed design to a dynamic configuration where the front portion can be moved between attached and detached states. This dynamic capability allows the sheet to adapt between providing full exposure for operation and being removed for cleaning purposes.
2Illumination intensity
If the light emitting section protrudes beyond the apparatus body for visibility, then notification visibility is improved, but susceptibility to breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitting section is positioned to protrude slightly beyond the apparatus body in a controlled manner, with its mounting structure designed to provide mechanical support and protection. This pre-positioning ensures that the light emitting section maintains optimal visibility while being protected from excessive external forces that could cause breakage.
3Ease of repair
If the operation sheet is made detachable for cleaning, then ease of cleaning is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation sheet is segmented into two functional portions: a front portion that is detachable for cleaning purposes, and a rear portion that remains fixed to the apparatus body. This segmentation allows the cleaning function to be simplified while maintaining the operational integrity of the fixed portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the operational interface for user interaction, acts as a protective cover for the display section, and functions as a removable component for cleaning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer (100) includes a casing (200), an operation section (6), a light emitting section (61), a cover (60), and a pressing member (62). The operation section (6) includes a reference surface (201B), an LCD panel (204) disposed along the reference surface (201B) and displaying predetermined information, and operation keys (202) disposed to protrude though the reference surface (201B). The light emitting section (61) is disposed adjacent to the operation section (6) and emits light based on predetermined notification information. The cover (60) covers the LCD panel (204) and the operation keys (202). The pressing member (62) presses the cover (60) and supports the light emitting section (61).