Dual-Perpendicular Cover Printer for Compact Paper Loading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Label printers require additional space for opening and closing mechanisms, limiting installation options in small offices due to the need for extra space above or in front of the printer for paper replenishment and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A printer design with two perpendicular covers that allow for paper insertion and printing without requiring additional space, enabling easy installation and maintenance by allowing paper replenishment through either cover when one is closed, and featuring a roller for paper conveyance and a printing head attached to one cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single opening and closing lid is provided on the top or front surface, then the structure is simple, but additional space is required above or in front of the housing for paper replenishment and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The single lid is divided into two separate covers: a first cover that opens in a first direction and a second cover that opens in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. This segmentation allows paper replenishment and maintenance operations to be performed from different sides of the housing, eliminating the need for additional space above or in front of the printer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-direction opening mechanism to a multi-directional opening mechanism. The first cover opens in a first direction while the second cover opens in a second direction perpendicular to the first, utilizing spatial dimensions more efficiently and allowing access from multiple directions without requiring additional installation space.
2Ease of operation
If the printer is designed with space for opening and closing mechanisms, then maintenance and paper replenishment are possible, but the printer cannot be installed in locations with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the access mechanism into two perpendicular covers, the invention enables paper replenishment and maintenance operations to be performed from different directions. This segmentation allows the printer to be installed in various locations including spaces with limited overhead or front access, significantly improving adaptability to different installation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-cover design provides multiple access paths for paper replenishment and maintenance operations. The first cover provides access for certain operations while the second cover provides access for others, making the printer universally adaptable to various installation locations and user needs without sacrificing ease of operation.
3Reliability
If both covers are closed during operation, then printing can be performed, but access to the paper sheet storage portion is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The paper sheet storage portion is accessed through two separate openings covered by different covers. The first opening is covered by the first cover and the second opening is covered by the second cover. This segmentation allows users to open only the specific cover needed for paper replenishment or maintenance while leaving the other cover closed, ensuring printing operations can continue uninterrupted.
Solution Approach 2:
The covers are designed to be dynamically opened and closed independently of each other. The first cover can be opened for paper replenishment while the second cover remains closed, and vice versa. This dynamic independence allows flexible access to the paper sheet storage portion without compromising the printing operation, which requires both covers to be closed.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A printer (1) includes a main body (20) having a first opening (23) through which a roll of paper (10) can be inserted for installation within the main body (20) and a second opening (24) through which a roll of paper (10) can be inserted for installation within the main body (20), a first cover (21) configured to open and close the first opening (23), a second cover (22) configured to open and close the second opening (24), a printing head (41) attached to the first cover (21) and configured to print an image on paper supplied from the roll of paper (10), and a roller (42) attached to the second cover (22) and configured to convey the paper from the roll of paper (10) installed within the main body (20) to the printing head (41). The paper is conveyed by the roller (42) and printing is performed by the printing head (41) when both the first and second covers (21, 22) are closed.