Rotating Operating Panel for Ink Refill Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction peripherals require users to manually open and close heavy image reading units to access ink tanks for replenishment, posing a burden due to the weight and complexity of the operation.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction peripheral design featuring a rotating operating panel that allows for easy access to the liquid containing body, exposing the pouring port without needing to open the image reading device, thus simplifying ink replenishment and reducing user burden by allowing the panel to operate between open and closed positions, with a plug member for closing the pouring port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image reading unit is opened to access the main tank for ink replenishment, then the liquid containing body becomes accessible, but the user burden increases due to the heavy weight of the image reading unit
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is divided into two separate opening mechanisms: the image reading unit and the operating panel. The operating panel is specifically segmented to provide access to the liquid containing body, while the image reading unit remains closed. This segmentation allows users to access ink without moving the heavy image reading unit, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and user burden.
2Ease of operation
If the image reading unit is opened to access the main tank, then ink replenishment is enabled, but the device complexity increases due to the opening/closing operation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The access function is segmented from the image reading unit to the operating panel. The operating panel includes a door that can be opened independently to expose the liquid containing body and pouring port, while the image reading unit remains stationary and closed. This reduces operational complexity by eliminating the need to open the heavy image reading unit for simple ink replenishment tasks.
3Ease of operation
If the pouring port is exposed for ink pouring, then liquid replenishment is facilitated, but the recording portion may be exposed to external contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The operating panel door is segmented to provide selective access: it can be opened to expose the pouring port for ink replenishment while keeping the recording portion enclosed. The door position is controlled to expose only the necessary area (liquid containing body and pouring port) without exposing the recording portion to external contaminants, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of pouring and contamination prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An recording device includes a recording head that performs recording using ink; a liquid containing body that is capable of accommodating ink; a casing of which at least the recording portion and the liquid containing body are provided on an inside portion; a tube that connects the liquid containing body and the recording head with each other; and a operating panel that constitutes a portion of an outer covering of the recording device and operates the recording device. The operating panel is provided to be capable of performing an opening/closing operation with respect to the casing between two positions which are an opened position which exposes and a closed position which does not expose an inside of the casing, and at least a portion of the liquid containing body is exposed, by an opening operation of the operating panel.