Rotating Display Cable Cover for Multi-Angle Image Forming Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in optimizing the display unit orientation to maintain high visibility of vertically-long or horizontally-long print target images without compromising the visibility or structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a support mechanism with a swing member and cable cover system that allows the display unit to rotate between forward, upward, horizontally-long, and vertically-long attitudes, with a cable cover made of overlapping element members that expand and contract to accommodate the rotation, protecting the cable without using flexible members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display unit is made rotatable to enable multiple orientations, then the adaptability and visibility of print target images are improved, but the cable protection and structural integrity deteriorate due to repeated rotation and exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The cable cover is divided into multiple element cover members (first element cover member, second element cover member, third element cover member) that can independently rotate and overlap. This segmentation allows each member to accommodate the rotation movement while maintaining overall cable protection, resolving the contradiction between rotatability and cable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The element cover members are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, transforming the static cable cover into a dynamic structure that can adapt to the rotating display unit. This dynamic design enables the cable cover to maintain protection during rotation without compromising the rotatability function.
2Reliability
If a rigid cable cover is used to protect the cable, then the cable protection is improved, but the ease of rotation and operational smoothness deteriorate due to friction and resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The cable cover uses multiple thin element cover members that can rotate relative to each other, creating a flexible protective structure. This flexible design reduces friction and resistance during rotation while maintaining cable protection, eliminating the need for a single rigid cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational coupling between element cover members creates a dynamic protective system that adapts to rotation movements. This dynamic structure maintains cable protection while allowing smooth rotation, resolving the contradiction between rigid protection and operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the cable cover is designed to accommodate rotation through flexible members, then the ease of rotation is improved, but the structural integrity and durability deteriorate due to flexibility and potential loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The cable cover is segmented into multiple element cover members with specific coupling relationships. This segmentation allows controlled rotation at the interfaces between members while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing the loosening that would occur in a single flexible cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The element cover members are arranged in a nested overlapping configuration where the second element cover member is positioned between the first and third element cover members. This nested structure provides multiple layers of protection and structural support while allowing rotation, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable cover (5) covers a portion of a cable (30) ranging from a swing member (42) to a main body (1). The cable cover (5) includes a plurality of element cover members (50) which are arranged while sequentially overlapping each other and are coupled while being capable of changing an overlapping state thereof. The plurality of element cover members (50) include a first element cover member (51) coupled to the swing member (42), and one or a plurality of second element cover members (52) supported by the support shaft (40) while being rotatable about a tilt axis line. By the plurality of element cover members (50) partially rotating in conjunction with a rotation of the swing member (42) and the overlapping state of the plurality of element cover members (50) thus being changed, the cable cover (5) is capable of expanding and contracting in accordance with the rotation of the swing member (42).