Foldable Support Assembly for Heat Transfer Printer Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support assemblies for heat transfer printers and cutters are large, heavy, difficult to adjust and move, and often only compatible with a single or limited number of printers and cutters.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly with a first leg and a second leg pivotably connected, along with first and second support members that are also pivotably connected and releasably connectable, allowing for adjustment between a use position and a storage position through rotational mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If known support assemblies are used for heat transfer printers and cutters, then the equipment can be supported stably, but the support assemblies become large, heavy, and difficult to adjust and move

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of adjustment and movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly incorporates pivotable connections at multiple joints (leg-to-leg, leg-to-support member, support member-to-support member) that enable dynamic adjustment between a stable operational configuration and a compact storage configuration. This transforms the static support structure into a dynamic system that can adapt its form factor based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly is divided into discrete modular components (legs, support members, mounting plates) connected by pivotable joints. This segmentation allows each component to move independently relative to others, enabling the entire assembly to collapse into a compact configuration for easy movement and storage while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If known support assemblies are used for heat transfer printers and cutters, then the equipment can be supported, but the support assemblies become difficult to store and move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidstorage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly employs a nesting configuration where support members and legs can be collapsed into one another when not in use. The pivotable connections enable the structure to fold down to a minimal volume, with components nesting within each other's space, dramatically reducing storage requirements while maintaining full support capability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Stability of the object's composition

If known support assemblies are used for heat transfer printers and cutters, then the equipment can be supported stably, but the support assemblies are challenging to store

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstorage adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support assembly transitions from a static, fixed-configuration structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The pivotable joints enable the assembly to adapt between a stable operational state and a compact storage state, providing versatility in both deployment and storage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support assembly serves multiple functions: it provides stable support for heat transfer printers and cutters during operation, collapses to a compact form for easy storage in limited spaces, and can be easily reconfigured for different storage locations or transportation scenarios. This multi-functionality addresses various operational and storage needs with a single design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If traditional support assemblies are used, then the equipment can be supported, but the support assemblies are large and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the support assembly into segmented modular components connected by pivotable joints, the design reduces overall weight compared to traditional monolithic support structures. Each segment can be optimized independently, and the modular nature allows for lighter materials and construction while maintaining support capability through the distributed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12344011B2Support assembly for heat transfer printer and cutter

Publication Date: 2025.07.01 STAHLS INC

AI summary

A support assembly for a heat transfer printer and cutter may include a first leg, a second leg pivotably connected to the first leg, a first support member pivotably connected to the first leg, and a second support member pivotably connected to the second leg. The first support member and the second support member may be releasably connectable. The support assembly may be adjustable to a use position and to a storage position via rotating the first leg and the second leg relative to one another, rotating the first support member relative to the first leg, and rotating the second support member relative to the second leg.