Image Recording Apparatus Cutter Unit Protective Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image recording apparatuses with attachable and detachable cutters, there is a risk of damage to either the first cutter or the second cutter during the attachment process, leading to potential malfunction in cutting the recording medium.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a protective member with a hardness lower than the cutters, which intervenes between the first and second cutters during the attachment process to prevent contact and potential damage, and allowing the protective member to be removably attached to the cutter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the second cutter is made attachable and detachable with respect to the casing, then the ease of repair and replacement is improved, but the risk of damage to the first cutter and second cutter during attachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protective member is attached to the casing at the attachment position before the second cutter is installed. This preliminary protective measure prevents direct contact between the first cutter and the second cutter during the attachment process, thereby eliminating the damage risk while maintaining the detachable design for easy replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The protective member acts as an intermediary element positioned between the first cutter and the second cutter. This intermediate component absorbs or prevents the harmful contact during attachment, allowing the second cutter to be safely installed without damaging the first cutter, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of replacement and damage risk
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an image recording apparatus including: a conveyor configured to convey a recording medium; a recorder configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the conveyor; a first cutter and a second cutter configured to cut the recording medium conveyed by the conveyor, a casing; and a protective member. The second cutter is configured to be in an attached state in which the second cutter is attached to the casing at an attachment position. The protective member is configured to intervene between the first cutter and the second cutter to be attached to the casing at the attachment position.