Elastic Wall Support for Label Printer Cover

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Label printers face issues with paper jamming and complex locking mechanisms that can lead to damage, and existing designs are not suitable for desktop use due to size and obstruction during paper replacement.

Innovation Solution

A label printer design featuring a hinged upper cover module that buckles onto a bottom case module with a toggle hook system, an elastic support structure to prevent falling, and a print channel configuration that allows unobstructed paper replacement, along with a print head assembly and paper limiter to prevent curling and misalignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the upper cover module is opened upward to replace paper, then paper replacement becomes easier, but the upper cover module may fall back heavily due to gravity and damage the printer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper replacementVSAvoidprinter damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic support structure is pre-configured to automatically engage when the upper cover module is opened upward. The elastic element stores potential energy during opening and releases it to prevent the cover from falling back, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing printer damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic support structure acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs the gravitational force when the upper cover module is opened. The elastic element deforms to absorb energy and prevents the cover from falling back heavily, protecting the printer from damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent the upper cover module from falling, then printer damage is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex and larger in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprinter damageVSAvoidlocking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic support structure is a self-activating mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the upper cover module. When the cover is opened upward, the elastic element automatically engages to prevent falling; when closed, it automatically disengages. This eliminates the need for complex manual locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler elastic support structure. The elastic element uses elastic deformation and gravitational force to achieve the same protective function, reducing structural complexity and size while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the upper cover module is opened upward for paper replacement, then paper replacement is facilitated, but the upper cover module may block the hand during replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaper replacementVSAvoidhand obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The upper cover module is segmented into functional zones: the printing device remains in place while the cover opens upward, creating clear separation between the printing area and the paper replacement area. This allows hands to access the paper feed channel without obstruction from the cover

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Simplifies paper replacement, reduces operation difficulty and intensity, saves costs, and prevents printer damage from falling parts while maintaining a compact size suitable for desktop use.

Implementation Method 1

When the upper cover module rotates upward relative to the bottom case module, the elastic wall is elastically deformed. When the upper cover module is rotated upward to the limit, the surface of a tail end of the elastic wall is in contact with the inclined surface of the lower middle cover. In this case, the elastic wall and the inclined surface form a support structure, which can support and position the upper cover module and prevent the upper cover module from falling down due to the gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12077400B2Label printer

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 XIAMEN IPRT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a label printer, including an upper cover module and a bottom case module configured to cooperate with the upper cover module in printing. An elastic wall is disposed at an articulating part between the upper cover module and the bottom case module. An inclined surface is provided at a corresponding position of the lower cover module. When the upper cover is opened upward to the maximum extent, a tail end of the elastic wall cooperates with the inclined surface to form a support structure to prevent the upper cover module from falling due to the gravity and the like when the upper cover module is opened.