Tiltable Display Support Unit for Compact Image Forming Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image forming apparatuses have bulky pivotal structures for display devices, leading to inferior space utility and increased thickness due to the need for large internal spaces to accommodate these structures.
Innovation Solution
The image forming apparatus incorporates a tiltable display unit with a support unit that includes a pivotal member and a sliding member, guided by a curved guide rail, allowing the display to pivot in one direction while being supported by an elastic member, which adjusts its position to maintain a predetermined angle, thereby reducing the necessary pivotal space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional pivotal structure is used for the display device, then the display can be tilted to vary orientation angle, but the structure becomes bulky and occupies large internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotal structure is divided into two independent hinge units: a first hinge unit that enables tilting in a first pivotal direction, and a second hinge unit that enables pivoting in a second pivotal direction. This segmentation allows each hinge unit to be more compact while collectively providing the full range of motion adjustments needed for the display device.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit is enabled to pivot in a second pivotal direction that is orthogonal to the first pivotal direction of the tilting operation. This dimensional change allows the display to achieve orientation adjustment without requiring a bulky single-axis pivotal mechanism, as the movement is distributed across two perpendicular axes.
2Reliability
If a bulky pivotal structure is provided for the display, then the display can be supported in tilted positions, but the thickness of the display assembly is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two hinge units with distinct roles: the first hinge unit provides stable support in the tilted position, while the second hinge unit enables compact pivoting motion. This segmentation maintains reliability through the first hinge unit's stable support while minimizing thickness through the second hinge unit's compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The second hinge unit is designed to pivot in linkage with the tilting operation of the display unit, creating a dynamic coupling between the two hinge units. This dynamic interaction allows the structure to adapt its configuration based on the display's position, maintaining stability when needed while minimizing thickness during transitions.
3Ease of operation
If a large space is allocated for the pivotal structure in the interior, then the display can pivot smoothly, but the overall device size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting function is segmented into two independent rotational degrees of freedom through the two hinge units. This segmentation allows each hinge to operate with smaller clearance requirements compared to a single large pivotal mechanism, as each hinge only needs to accommodate motion in one specific direction rather than all possible pivoting paths.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing pivoting in a second pivotal direction orthogonal to the first, the system distributes the motion requirements across two dimensions. This allows the display to achieve smooth pivoting motion through coordinated operation of two compact hinges rather than requiring a single large-space-consuming pivotal mechanism.
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
This configuration minimizes the pivotal space required for the display device, enhancing space utility and allowing for a more compact design of the image forming apparatus without compromising the display's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The support unit may further include an elastic member to press the sliding member in order to enable the sliding member to support the back surface of the display unit while sliding with respect to the pivotal member.
Data Source
AI summary
An image forming apparatus may include a pivotable display unit, and a support unit linked to pivoting of the display unit, to support the display unit. Through this configuration, the display unit is tiltable to meet an arrangement state or use state of the image forming apparatus. Since the structure to support the display unit is linked to a tiling operation of the display unit, convenience of use is also provided.