Single Switch Detects Multiple Cover Positions via Actuator Lever

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with multiple cover bodies require multiple detection switches for open/close detection, increasing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design that uses a single detection switch to monitor the open/close condition of multiple cover bodies through an actuating member and detecting means, ensuring fool-proof operation and cost-effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a detection switch is provided for each cover body to achieve open/close detection of all cover bodies, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single detection switch is designed to perform multiple functions by detecting the open/close status of multiple different cover bodies (front cover, rear cover, cassetto cover) through a unified detection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate switches for each cover

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediate lever mechanism is introduced to transmit the closing action from different cover bodies to the single detection switch. The lever acts as a mediator that converts various cover closing actions into a unified detection signal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a detection switch is provided for each cover body, then the open/close detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopen/close detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection switch is designed as a universal component that can accurately detect the open/close status of multiple cover bodies, maintaining detection precision while reducing the total number of components and manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple detection functions for different cover bodies are merged into a single detection switch through the lever mechanism, reducing component count and simplifying manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple detection switches are used for multiple cover bodies, then the detection coverage is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidease of repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The single detection switch serves as a universal detection point for all cover bodies, simplifying the repair process by reducing the number of components that need to be inspected and replaced

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1911597B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2012.09.26 BROTHER KOGYO KK
  • EP1911597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1911597B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1911597B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an electronic device that enables and ensures the detection of the open/close condition and attached condition of a plurality of cover bodies by only one detection switch. Therefore, an electronic device comprises an upper cover 5, a front cover 6, an actuator 51, and a mechanical switch 52. The upper cover 5 is provided openable and closable with respect to a rolled sheet holder storing case 4, and the front cover 6 is removably attached on the rolled sheet holder storing case 4 for covering a component, which is housed in the rolled sheet holder storing case 4. The actuator 51 is provided on the front cover 6, and it makes an action when the upper cover 5 is closed to the rolled sheet holder storing case 4, and the mechanical switch 52 detects the action of the actuator 51. This arrangement forms a system that detects sequentially the action taken for closing the upper cover 5 to the rolled sheet holder storing case 4, by relaying the action via the actuator 51, which is provided on the front cover 6, to the mechanical switch 52, which detects the action.