Kiosk Printer Anti-Intrusion Door Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printers for kiosks face issues with unwanted object intrusion through the outlet, potential entry of harmful elements like dust and rain, and the inability of the document thrust to open the closure arrangement effectively.
Innovation Solution
A printer with a movable door that opens with the thrust of the printed document and returns to a closed position by its weight, creating a monodirectional passage that allows document exit while preventing entry, and incorporating a design that protects against dust, rain, and humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure arrangement is added to prevent object intrusion through the outlet, then security against intrusion and environmental hazards is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door utilizes the thrust of the document itself to open and uses its own weight to close, making the closure system self-operating without requiring external motors, sensors, or control mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by providing security (preventing intrusion when closed) while maintaining simplicity (no complex actuation systems needed).
Solution Approach 2:
The closure function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanical door component rather than being integrated into the main printer mechanism. This allows the security function to be added independently with minimal impact on the overall device complexity, as the door operates autonomously using the document's own thrust and gravity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a closure arrangement is added to prevent object intrusion through the outlet, then protection against harmful elements is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door's self-operating mechanism eliminates the need for motors, control electronics, and complex actuation systems, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while providing effective protection against dust, rain, and other environmental hazards when the door is closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be manufactured from basic materials. Its simplicity allows for low-cost production while still providing effective protection, making it economically viable for various kiosk applications.
3Device complexity
If the door returns to closed position by weight alone, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability may be compromised if document thrust is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed to be movable and dynamic, automatically adjusting its state based on the forces applied. It opens when document thrust is sufficient and closes when the document is removed, providing reliable operation through its dynamic response to varying conditions without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The door uses the document's own thrust to open and its own weight to close, creating a self-regulating system that adapts to different document types and conditions. This self-service approach ensures reliable operation across various scenarios without adding complexity, as the door automatically responds to the physical conditions present during each dispensing event.
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
Ensures safe and reliable dispensing of printed documents, preventing object intrusion and environmental hazards, while maintaining a simple and cost-effective anti-intrusion system.
Implementation Method 1
moving from the normal closed position to the open position through the effect of a thrust exerted by the document that advances
Implementation Method 2
returning to the closed position through the effect of its weight after the document has been removed
Data Source
AI summary
A printer for kiosks is disclosed that includes an anti-intrusion door that is movable between a normal closed position and an open position in which it respectively closes and opens a passage through which a printed document is guided, moving from the normal closed position to the open position by a thrust exerted by the exiting document and returning to the closed position through the effect of its weight after the printed document has been removed.