Printer Cover Sliding Shutter Finger Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In some printing apparatuses, users can inadvertently insert their fingers into the housing through the discharging opening while the cover is closed, posing a risk during operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a protective wall portion with sliding shutters that block the discharging opening, preventing finger insertion by sliding in a slanting direction and maintaining the opening area, and an engagement mechanism that locks the access cover, using sensors to detect and prevent accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the discharging opening is kept open for paper discharge, then paper discharge efficiency is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of finger insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a sliding shutter mechanism that dynamically opens and closes the discharging opening. The shutter slides along a guide groove to open the passage for paper discharge, then closes to prevent finger insertion. This dynamic structure allows the opening to transition between open and closed states based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining an open discharge path and preventing harmful finger insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding shutter acts as an intermediary element between the discharging opening and the user's finger. It mediates the conflict by providing a movable barrier that can be positioned to either allow paper passage or block finger access. The shutter's intermediate position capability enables it to control the opening state, preventing direct contact between the finger and the hazardous interior while maintaining discharge functionality when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the access cover is made easily openable for user access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental opening during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an interlock mechanism that applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the access cover from opening during printing operation. The interlock mechanism detects the operational state and mechanically locks the cover in the closed position, counteracting any force that might accidentally open it. This preliminary protective action ensures the cover remains securely closed throughout the printing process, preventing accidental opening while still allowing intentional opening when the interlock is disengaged.
Data Source
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AI summary
A user's fingertip is prevented from entering a housing while a cover is closed. A printing apparatus includes: a housing containing a printing unit therein; a cover openably attached to the housing, the cover forming a discharging opening, through which a sheet is discharged from the housing, while the cover is closed; and a protective wall portion provided inside the cover for preventing a user's fingertip inserted through the discharging opening from proceeding toward the printing unit while the cover is closed.