Sequential Cover Locking in Recording Device Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing housing structures of recording devices, such as laser printers, face issues with increased momentum and impact when the front door and manual paper feed tray are simultaneously opened, due to their combined weight.
Innovation Solution
A housing structure design where the outer and inner covers are configured to open sequentially, with the outer cover opening first and the inner cover opening only after the outer cover is opened, using a lock mechanism that prevents simultaneous opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the front door and manual paper feed tray are configured to open simultaneously, then the operation convenience is improved, but the momentum and impact increase due to combined weight
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is divided into two separate opening operations: the front door opens first, and only after it is fully opened does the manual paper feed tray become unlockable. This segmentation of the opening process prevents simultaneous movement of both heavy components, thereby reducing the peak momentum and impact forces while still providing convenient access to internal components.
2Force
If the front door and manual paper feed tray are opened one at a time, then the momentum and impact are reduced, but the operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism integrates two functions: it locks the manual paper feed tray during normal operation and automatically unlocks it only after the front door is fully opened. This merging of functions allows the sequential opening process to occur automatically without requiring additional user actions or complex control systems, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining the benefit of reduced momentum and impact.
3Force
If a lock mechanism is added to prevent simultaneous opening, then the momentum and impact are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is nested within the existing hinge structure of the manual paper feed tray. The lock claw and lock hole are integrated into the tray's rotation mechanism, allowing the locking function to be achieved using the existing structural components rather than adding separate external locking systems. This nesting approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while effectively preventing simultaneous opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing structure includes a main housing, a first cover that opens and closes by rotating with respect to the main housing about a first axis along a horizontal direction, a second cover provided further inside than the first cover and that opens and closes with respect to the main housing together with the first cover by rotating around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a regulation section that regulates the second cover in a closed state in which the second cover is closed, and a restriction section that, when the first cover is closed, restricts the release of regulation by the regulation section.