External USB Slot Positioning for Static Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunctional apparatuses with external recording medium slots, such as USB slots, are inconveniently located near the operation panel, risking damage and user safety due to exposure and potential static electricity discharge when the user interacts with the panel.

Innovation Solution

The external recording medium slot is positioned higher than the touch area on the operation panel, either above or on the far side of the touch area, to prevent accidental contact and ensure user safety and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the USB slot is arranged immediately adjacent to the operation panel, then the slot is easily accessible and visible to users, but the metal of the USB slot is exposed causing risk of breakage and static electricity discharge when users operate the panel

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of USB slotVSAvoidRisk of breakage and static electricity discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the user's hand and the USB slot. This cover member includes a recess that receives the USB slot, creating a protective barrier that prevents direct contact while maintaining accessibility. The cover member absorbs the harmful interaction (hand hitting the slot) while allowing the useful function (inserting USB memory) to continue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the USB slot is arranged near the operation panel, then the slot is convenient for users to access, but the arm or hand may accidentally hit the USB slot or USB memory causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConvenience of USB slot locationVSAvoidSafety of USB slot and memory

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member is positioned beforehand to cushion and absorb potential impacts to the USB slot. By placing the cover member with its recess containing the USB slot in the protruded part of the main body casing, the structure is prepared in advance to withstand accidental hits from users' arms or hands, preventing damage before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If the USB slot is exposed on the main body, then the slot is easily accessible, but there is a risk of electric discharge hurting the user

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of USB slotVSAvoidElectric discharge risk to user

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member serves as an intermediary barrier between the exposed metal of the USB slot and the user's body. This intermediate structure prevents direct electrical contact while maintaining the functional accessibility of the slot, thereby eliminating the electric discharge hazard without sacrificing ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11044375B2Multifunctional apparatus having external recording medium slot

Publication Date: 2021.06.22 SHARP KK

AI summary

Provided is a multifunctional apparatus including an external recording medium slot at a position higher than a touch area that receives touch operation by a user, and the touch area is provided in an operation panel provided on a near side of a main body of the multifunctional apparatus and near an upper edge of the main body.