Retractable Handle Mechanism for Transportable Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transportable image forming apparatuses lack a simplified structure for attaching a retractable handle to a case made of mutually rotatable parts, leading to potential interference and damage during storage and transportation.
Innovation Solution
A transportable image forming apparatus with a case comprising rotatable parts and a handle that includes a shaft portion and a grasp portion, where the handle is securely attached using a limiting member and shaft bearings to allow rotation between exposure and retraction positions, preventing interference and facilitating easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is made retractable to avoid obstructing user operations during use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the handle may interfere with rotatable parts (document cover, sheet trays) during retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing a limiting member that prevents the handle from rotating into positions where it would interfere with the document cover or sheet trays. The limiting member creates a predetermined safe rotation range that anticipates and prevents potential collisions before they occur, thus maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the case is made up of multiple mutually rotatable parts for maintainability and functionality, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise attachment and positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the limiting member as an intermediary element that mediates between the handle and the rotatable parts of the case. This single intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a straightforward mechanical solution for coordinate rotation, avoiding the need for complex control systems or multiple positioning mechanisms while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of operation
If the handle rotation range is increased to provide better access for operations like power connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of interference with rotatable parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting member provides preliminary anti-action by defining a safe rotation range for the handle that allows sufficient movement for operations like power connection while preventing rotation into zones where interference with the document cover or sheet trays would occur. This preemptive constraint eliminates the harmful effect before it can manifest
Data Source
AI summary
In the state where a handle (2) and a lid (12) are attached to a main body (11), left and right bases (22) of the handle (2) are fitted into recesses (1112, 1113) at coupling portions (111, 112). Left and right shaft supports (91) of the lid (12) are fitted into recesses (1111, 1114). Shaft portions (81) of the left and right bases (22) are fitted from above into a through hole (72) and a through hole (73), respectively, and are supported rotatably about a center axis (200) in the through holes (72, 73). Shafts (93 to 95) of the shaft supports (91, 92) are laterally fitted into through holes (71, 74, 75), respectively, and are supported rotatably about the center axis (200) in the through holes (71, 74, 75). The shaft (94) of the shaft support (92) is laterally fitted into a blind hole (82) of the right base (22).