Card Processing Device Front-Rear Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Combining card reader and printing functions in a card processing device typically results in increased size in the front-rear direction, making it difficult to downsize the device effectively.
Innovation Solution
The card processing device incorporates a card reader unit and a print unit with a pivotable cover member and upper frame, allowing the ink ribbon cartridge to be exposed for replacement and maintenance, while ensuring security by hiding magnetic heads unless the upper frame is open, thus enabling downsizing and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the card reader unit and print unit are combined in the front-rear direction, then the device integrates multiple functions, but the size of the device in the front-rear direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The card reader unit is repositioned from a purely front-rear arrangement to an overlapping configuration where part of it is disposed on the lower side of the supply roll or take-up roll in the up-down direction. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension (up-down instead of only front-rear) allows functional integration while reducing the front-rear footprint of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The card reader unit is nested within the vertical space occupied by the print unit's ink ribbon cartridge assembly. By placing part of the card reader unit on the lower side of the supply roll or take-up roll, the design creates a nested arrangement where components occupy overlapping vertical spaces, thereby compacting the overall front-rear length.
2Ease of repair
If the cover member and upper frame are made pivotable for maintenance access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover structure is segmented into two independent pivotable components: the cover member (which covers the ink ribbon cartridge) and the upper frame (which forms part of the conveyance path). This segmentation allows each component to be opened independently for different maintenance tasks, providing targeted access without requiring complete disassembly, thus balancing ease of repair with controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the cover member and upper frame are designed with pivotable joints rather than fixed connections. The cover member pivots with the left-right direction as the pivotal axis, and the upper frame pivots with the left-right direction as the pivotal axis. These dynamic, reversible connections enable easy access during maintenance while maintaining structural integrity during operation, managing complexity through standardized pivot mechanisms.
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
The device is successfully downsized in the front-rear direction, allowing for easier maintenance and enhanced security by controlling exposure of sensitive components, facilitating replacement and operation within constrained spaces like ATMs.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal head heats the ink ribbon and transfers ink of the ink ribbon to print on the card
Data Source
AI summary
A card processing device may include a card reader and a printer. The printer may include an ink ribbon cartridge; a thermal head; and a cover member. The ink ribbon cartridge may include a supply roll and a take-up roll. The thermal head may heat the ink ribbon and transfer ink to the card. The card reader may be on a front side of the thermal head, and a part of the card reader may be on a lower side of the supply roll or the take-up roll. The cover member may pivot between a closed position and open position. A conveyance path may be provided inside the card reader and the printer. A part of the conveyance path inside the card reader may be a first conveyance path. The card reader may include an upper frame. The upper frame may pivot between a closed position and open position.