Sliding Face Cover Mechanism for Paper Shredder Safety

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional paper shredders are prone to damage and user safety risks due to foreign objects falling into the shredder during paper insertion, which can cause unnecessary loss and damage to the device.

Innovation Solution

A slidable face cover mechanism with pressing plates and an extension arm that activates a micro-switch to power the shredder when opened, preventing foreign objects from entering and ensuring energy efficiency and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the paper entrance is opened for paper insertion, then paper can be fed into the shredder, but foreign objects may fall into the shredder causing damage to users and the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper insertionVSAvoidforeign objects entering

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The face cover is opened in advance before paper insertion to allow users to place papers in the tray, and the cover is automatically closed after paper insertion to prevent foreign objects from entering. This preliminary action of opening the cover before insertion and closing it afterward resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of foreign object entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The face cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the shredder interior. When closed, it prevents foreign objects from directly entering the shredder while still allowing paper insertion through the tray. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing protection without completely blocking access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the face cover is always open to allow paper insertion, then paper can be easily fed in, but foreign objects can freely enter causing damage to the shredder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper insertionVSAvoidshredder protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The face cover is opened in advance before paper insertion to allow users to place papers in the tray, and the cover is automatically closed after paper insertion to prevent foreign objects from entering. This preliminary action of opening the cover before insertion and closing it afterward resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of foreign object entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-switch detects the position of the face cover and provides feedback to the control circuit. When the face cover is closed, the micro-switch activates to turn off the motor, preventing the shredder from operating with the cover closed and potentially causing damage. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the shredder is always powered on to be ready for use, then paper can be shredded immediately, but energy is wasted when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The face cover is opened in advance before paper insertion to allow users to place papers in the tray, and the cover is automatically closed after paper insertion to prevent foreign objects from entering. This preliminary action of opening the cover before insertion and closing it afterward resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of foreign object entry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The micro-switch detects the position of the face cover and provides feedback to the control circuit. When the face cover is closed, the micro-switch activates to turn off the motor, preventing the shredder from operating with the cover closed and potentially causing damage. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 3:

The face cover automatically controls the power state of the shredder through the micro-switch mechanism. When the cover is closed, the system automatically turns off the motor, and when opened, it turns on. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual power control and ensures energy efficiency while maintaining readiness for use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8967511B1Slidable cover mechanism of a paper shredder

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 LO EMILY

AI summary

The present invention provides a slidable cover mechanism of a paper shredder, wherein an upper cover of the paper shredder is provided with a face cover sliding along an upper surface of the upper cover, two sides at a bottom of the upper cover are provided respectively with a first chute and a second chute, two sides at a bottom of the face cover are provided with guiding pillars, the guiding pillars are disposed respectively in the first chute and the second chute, a first pressing plate and a second pressing plate are connected respectively above the first chute and the second chute on the guiding pillars, an exterior side of the first chute is provided with a micro-switch at a bottom of the upper cover, and an extension arm is provided between a side of the first pressing plate and the micro-switch.