Ink Jet Printer Platen and Guide Table for Dual Media Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink jet printers require a complex configuration and increased costs to handle both rolled and sheet-like recording media, with the need for additional conveying rollers for sheet-like media leading to a longer printer design.
Innovation Solution
An ink jet printer design that includes a base member with a platen and a guide table, allowing for the attachment and detachment of the guide table to accommodate both rolled and sheet-like media, using a tilted surface for the second platen to guide the rolled media and a flat surface for the sheet-like media, simplifying the configuration and conveying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional conveying rollers are added to convey sheet-like recording media, then the printer can handle both rolled and sheet-like media, but the configuration becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platen is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the first platen for rolled recording media and the second platen for sheet-like recording media. By making the platen itself capable of guiding both media types through its structural design (flat upper surface for rolled media, tilted oblique surface for sheet-like media), the invention eliminates the need for separate conveying rollers, thus reducing configuration complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The platen's surface geometry is dynamically adapted to different media types: the flat upper surface guides rolled recording media, while the tilted oblique surface guides sheet-like recording media. This dynamic adaptation of the platen's functional surfaces allows a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional conveying rollers are added for sheet-like recording media, then the printer can convey different media types, but the printer length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platen performs dual functions as both the first platen and second platen, eliminating the need for separate conveying rollers that would extend the printer's length. By integrating the guidance function for both rolled and sheet-like media into a single component, the printer's overall length is reduced while maintaining the ability to handle different media types
3Productivity
If a tilted platen surface is used for rolled recording medium, then the medium can be conveyed smoothly, but sheet-like medium may be bent significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The platen is designed with different surface qualities in different regions: the flat upper surface is optimized for conveying rolled recording media, while the tilted oblique surface is optimized for guiding sheet-like recording media. Each region's surface characteristics are locally adapted to the specific requirements of the media type it handles, preventing excessive bending of sheet-like media while ensuring smooth conveyance of rolled media
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes: a platen configured to allow a rolled first recording medium and a sheet-like second recording medium to be placed thereon; and a guide table detachably provided on a base member and configured to guide movement of the second recording medium. The platen includes a first platen on which the first recording medium and the second recording medium are placed, and a second platen disposed ahead of the first platen, including an upper surface tilted obliquely downward from the rear toward the front, and configured to guide movement of the first recording medium. The guide table includes a placement portion including a flat upper surface which is located below the first platen and above a portion of the second platen and on which the second recording medium is placed.