Rotatable Display Section for Image Forming Apparatus Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image forming apparatuses often have display sections that are not optimally positioned for users in wheelchairs, leading to reduced operability due to obstructed views and accessibility issues, especially when light sources interfere with visibility.

Innovation Solution

The display section of the image forming apparatus is designed to be switchable between two positions, allowing it to be tilted forward more than the input section, ensuring better visibility and accessibility by turning on its front edge as a pivot, which maintains visibility of the in-body discharge section and allows stable operation even in environments with light interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the display section is positioned flush with the input section, then the structure is compact and simple, but the visibility and accessibility for users in wheelchairs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility and accessibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display section is designed to be rotatable relative to the input section, allowing it to switch between a flush position (reducing complexity) and a tilted forward position (improving visibility and accessibility). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different user needs without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the display section is tilted forward more than the input section, then visibility and accessibility for wheelchair users is improved, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility and accessibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display section is designed to be rotatable relative to the input section, allowing it to switch between a flush position (reducing complexity) and a tilted forward position (improving visibility and accessibility). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different user needs without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the display section is positioned to be visible in wheelchair users' line of sight, then accessibility is improved, but light sources may interfere with visibility

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidlight interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable display section allows users to adjust its position to optimize visibility while minimizing the impact of light sources. By tilting the display forward, the viewing angle changes in a way that reduces glare and light interference, maintaining accessibility for wheelchair users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the operating section is tilted forward, then visibility for wheelchair users is improved, but the in-body discharge section may become obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidobstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operating section is divided into separable components: the input section and the display section. This segmentation allows the display section to be tilted forward independently to improve visibility for wheelchair users, while the input section remains in its original position to avoid obstructing the in-body discharge section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2787398B1Image forming apparatus and operating device
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP2787398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2787398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2787398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An image forming apparatus (1) includes an operating section (5). The operating section (5) projects forward from an upper housing (200C) of the image forming apparatus (1). The operating section (5) includes an input section (5B) and a display section (50). The input section (5B) is for receiving input of image forming information. The display section (50) is disposed adjacent to the input section (5B) and displays the image forming information thereon. A position of the display section (50) is switchable between a first position and a second position. The first position is where the display section (50) is flush with the input section (5B). The second position is where the display section (50) is tilted forward more than the input section (5B), by turning the display section (50) on a front edge side (51A) of the display section (50) as a pivot to raise a rear edge side (51B) of the display section (50) upward from the first position.