Rotating Sliding Control Panel for Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses have operating devices that are typically fixed near the paper discharge unit, restricting user movement and spatial utility due to their fixed position.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a hinge unit for rotation and a sliding unit for horizontal movement, coupled with a damper unit to absorb force, allowing for increased user mobility and spatial flexibility, while maintaining functionality through a display and operating buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the operating device is fixed at a fixed position near the paper discharge unit, then the structure is simple and stable, but user mobility and spatial utility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the operating device from a fixed structure to a movable one. The operating device is equipped with a hinge unit that allows rotation relative to the body and a sliding unit that enables horizontal movement, making the device adaptable to different spatial positions while maintaining operational functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the operating device is fixed near the paper discharge unit, then installation is simple, but free manual activity of the user is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge unit and sliding unit work together to provide dynamic positioning capability. The hinge unit enables rotational movement for adjusting the operating device to different angles, while the sliding unit allows horizontal translation, collectively enabling free manual activity without requiring complex multi-component mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operating device is made movable with hinge and sliding units, then spatial utility and user mobility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moving mechanism is segmented into two independent functional units: a hinge unit for rotational movement and a sliding unit for horizontal movement. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function with relatively simple structure, avoiding the need for a single complex mechanism while achieving the desired spatial flexibility.
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 free manual activity near the paper discharge unit and enhances spatial utility by allowing the operating device to rotate and slide, improving user interaction and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The damper gear member may include a damper gear containing a viscous material therein
Data Source
AI summary
An operating device usable with an image forming apparatus to increase free movement thereof and an image forming apparatus having the same. A sliding unit and a hinge unit provided at a rear surface of the operating device can provide increased free movement of the operating device. A horizontal sliding motion of the operating device can be provided by a the sliding unit, and the sliding unit can be rotated relative to a body of the image forming apparatus with the hinge unit. The sliding unit can include a first sliding member and a second sliding member to slide on the first sliding member. The hinge unit can include a hinge shaft and a bracket rotatably coupled to the hinge shaft.