Rotatable Control Panel Assembly for Imaging Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Movable control panels in imaging devices, such as multifunction printers, face challenges in reducing device size for easier shipping and movement while maintaining access to external hardware devices, as retractable designs often compromise storage space for these devices.
Innovation Solution
A control panel assembly that includes a base plate coupled to the device body, with a display panel and input device rotatably connected, allowing the panel to retract into the body while maintaining visibility and functionality, and accommodating external hardware devices through a sliding mechanism and hinge assemblies for adjustable angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the control panel is made retractable to reduce device size, then the device footprint is reduced for easier shipping and movement, but storage space for external hardware devices is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel assembly is nested within a recess in the device body, allowing it to be retracted into the body when not in use. This nesting approach enables the control panel to be stored within the device footprint while maintaining access to external hardware devices through the side of the device body.
Solution Approach 2:
The control panel assembly is separated into distinct functional components: the display panel, input device, and base plate with sliding mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the control panel to be retracted while maintaining external hardware access through the device side.
2Ease of operation
If the control panel is made movable to change display angles, then user viewing comfort is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is made dynamically adjustable through a hinge assembly that allows rotation between different angular positions. This dynamic capability enables users to change display angles for optimal viewing comfort while maintaining a relatively simple hinge-based mechanism rather than complex multi-component adjustment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it enables angular adjustment for viewing comfort, provides a mounting interface between the display panel and base plate, and allows the control panel to maintain its position during operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional structural components.
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, an apparatus may include a body and a control panel assembly coupled to the body. The control panel assembly may include a base plate coupled to the body, a display panel coupled to the base plate, and an input device coupled to the display panel. In some examples, the control panel assembly may move from a first position in which the display panel is at least partially retracted in the body to a second position in which the display panel and the input device are extended out from the body. The display panel may be positioned at a first predefined angle relative to the base plate and the input device may be positioned at a second predefined angle relative to the display panel.