Shutter Mechanism Prevents Switch Malfunction in Image Formers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses face issues where the interlock switch can be accidentally pressed when the opening-and-closing member is open, allowing objects like rods to insert and potentially malfunction the device.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a shutter mechanism that moves between a shielding and retracted position in response to the opening-and-closing cover, blocking access to the interlock switch when the cover is open, and a protrusion that presses the interlock switch when closed, ensuring the switch is only activated intentionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interlock switch is accessible through the hole in the casing when the opening-and-closing member is open, then the switch can be operated, but the switch can be accidentally pressed by users or objects causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A shutter member is introduced as an intermediary between the hole in the casing and the interlock switch. The shutter selectively blocks the hole when the opening-and-closing member is open, preventing accidental pressing, while allowing the pressing portion to contact the switch when the member is closed. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by controlling accessibility dynamically.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member is made movable between a blocked position (when the opening-and-closing member is open) and a retracted position (when the member is closed). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between protecting the switch and enabling its operation, resolving the static contradiction between accessibility and protection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hole in the casing is kept open for access, then components can be accessed, but the interlock switch can be pressed by inserting objects like rods
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member proactively blocks the hole before any object can reach the interlock switch when the opening-and-closing member is open. This preliminary protective action prevents the harmful effect of object-induced switch pressing while maintaining the open state of the casing for component accessibility.
3Reliability
If a restricting member with a smaller opening is used, then accidental pressing is prevented, but the interlock switch can still be pressed by inserting thin objects through the restricted opening
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter member serves as a superior intermediary compared to the restricting member. While the restricting member only limits the size of objects that can approach, the shutter completely blocks access to the interlock switch when the opening-and-closing member is open, preventing both accidental pressing and deliberate rod insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter member extracts the protective function from the restricting member concept and implements it as a separate, movable component that can dynamically control access, providing more effective protection than a fixed restricting opening.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus includes a casing having a first opening and a second opening. The first and second openings each extend between an interior of the casing and an exterior of the casing. A cover has a close position in which the cover covers the first opening and the second opening, and an open position in which cover does not cover the first opening and the second opening. A shutter has a shielding position in which the shutter covers the second opening, and a retracted position. The shutter is operably connected to the cover so as to move between the shielding position and the retracted position in response to movement of the cover. A protrusion extends from the cover, and the protrusion extends through the second opening when the cover is in the close position and the shutter is in the retracted position.