Rotating Operation Panel Locking Mechanism for Stable Initial Posture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the operation panel in a stable and consistent initial posture due to the instability of frictional forces, which can fluctuate over time and environment, leading to unreliable panel positioning.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism utilizing a cap, rotating member, fixed member, first and second coil springs is employed to maintain the operation panel's initial posture, allowing it to return to a predetermined angle when forces are released, using elastic deformation and spring forces to regulate rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If frictional force is used to brake the operation panel rotation, then the panel can be stopped at any angle, but the positioning stability deteriorates due to fluctuations in frictional force over time and environment
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing member (spring) is introduced as an intermediary between the gear and the gear part to generate a controlled frictional force. This mediator provides a stable, predictable braking force that overcomes the instability of direct friction-based positioning, ensuring reliable panel positioning while maintaining the ability to stop at various angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional force mechanism is transformed from a passive contact-based system to an active biasing system where the normal force is controlled by the biasing member's elastic properties. By changing the parameter from uncontrolled friction to spring-loaded friction, the system achieves stable and predictable positioning forces that do not fluctuate with environmental changes.
2Reliability
If a biasing member is added to generate frictional force for braking, then positioning reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates the frictional force for braking, provides the normal force for engagement between the gear and gear part, and acts as a cushioning element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable positioning.
3Reliability
If the operation panel is designed to return to initial posture using elastic force, then positioning consistency is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases due to additional springs and rotating members
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member acts as a counterweight or counter-force mechanism, using elastic force to oppose and balance external forces applied to the operation panel. This allows the panel to automatically return to its initial posture, ensuring positioning consistency while using a simple spring-based counterbalancing system rather than complex active control mechanisms.
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
The operation panel is reliably maintained in its initial posture, ensuring stable and consistent positioning over time, with predictable and stable spring loads, reducing fluctuations and enabling smooth rotation.
Implementation Method 1
the first coil spring is elastically deformed to allow the operation panel to rotate integrally with the cap, and when the force is released, the first coil spring is elastically returned to allow the operation panel to return to its initial posture
Implementation Method 2
the second coil spring is elastically deformed to allow the operation panel to rotate integrally with the cap and the rotating member, and when the force is released, the second coil spring is elastically returned to allow the operation panel to return to its initial posture
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism of an image forming apparatus includes a cap that is rotatable integrally with an operation panel, a rotating member on which the cap is rotatably supported, a fixed member by which the rotating member is rotatably supported, a first coil spring that connects the rotating member and the cap, and a second coil spring that connects the rotating member and the fixed member and has a winding direction opposite to that of the first coil spring, in which, when a force is applied to the operation panel in one direction, a force is applied to the first coil spring in a loosening direction via the cap to allow the operation panel to rotate, and when a force is applied to the operation panel in another direction, a force is applied to the second coil spring in a loosening direction to allow the operation panel to rotate.