Rotatable Operation Unit Support for Overload-Safe Panel Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large imaging forming systems with multiple connected devices, the operation unit's display panel posture cannot be easily adjusted for optimal user operation, and the retractable stand is prone to damage from excessive loads.
Innovation Solution
An operation unit with a supporting portion that can rotate between two angles, featuring a shaft portion, a mounting portion that elastically deforms under overload, and a restricting portion to prevent damage, allowing the display surface to adjust its angle relative to the placement surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable stand is used to allow angle adjustment of the display panel, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential damage from excessive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning stoppers at specific locations on the support arm to limit the display panel to predetermined angles (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°). This prevents the user from accidentally positioning the panel at unsafe angles that could cause overload, thereby maintaining reliability while still allowing angle adjustment for ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stoppers act as intermediaries between the display panel and the support arm structure. They mediate the angle adjustment process by providing discrete, safe positioning points, preventing direct uncontrolled positioning that could lead to excessive loads and potential damage.
2Device complexity
If the display panel is fixed to a stand, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the posture cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is segmented into multiple sections with relative movement capabilities, allowing the display panel to be positioned at different angles. The stoppers provide discrete positioning points, creating a segmented angular adjustment system that maintains structural simplicity while enabling posture changes for improved operability.
3Strength
If the mounting portion is made rigid to prevent deformation, then the strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the restricting portion cannot release under overload
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting portion uses elastic material properties to change its mechanical parameters under different load conditions. At normal operating loads, it maintains sufficient rigidity for structural integrity. Under excessive loads, it deforms elastically to release the restricting portion, allowing the display panel to move to a safer position, thus balancing strength with operational safety.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and durable operation unit positioning, enhancing user operability and preventing stand damage from excessive loads.
Implementation Method 1
the mounting portion being configured to be able to be elastically deformed by an overload exceeding a predetermined load
Data Source
AI summary
An operation unit for image forming apparatus is disclosed. The operation unit includes: a bearing portion configured to rotatably support a shaft portion; a restricting portion provided at a position different from that of the bearing portion in an axial direction of the shaft portion, a restricting portion being configured such that when a supporting portion is rotated in a first direction from a first angle toward a second angle, the restricting portion restricts a rotation of the supporting portion in the first direction by abutting a mounting portion at a position where the operation unit forms the second angle; and an abutting portion provided on an opposite side of the restricting portion via the bearing portion in the axial direction, the abutting portion being configured to abut on the shaft portion.