Kiosk Printer Mount With Tool-Free Locking and Stable Fixation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing kiosks require the use of separate tools for printer detachment and attachment, and the printers are not stably fixed during the process, leading to frequent failures and maintenance challenges.

Innovation Solution

A printer detachable kiosk apparatus with a groove and engaging member design allows easy attachment and detachment without tools, using a stand unit with sloped planes to stabilize the printer, and a fastening system to secure it to the kiosk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If printers are coupled using screws in existing kiosks, then the printer can be securely fixed to the kiosk, but managers have to use separate tools each time to detach or attach the printer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of printer attachment and detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into a groove structure on the printer and a protruding engaging member on the stand unit. This segmentation allows the printer to be attached by simply engaging the groove with the protrusion, eliminating the need for screws or separate tools while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove and protrusion design enables the printer to be attached and detached through its own structural features without requiring external tools. The manager can simply align and engage the printer's groove with the stand unit's protrusion, making the system self-servicing for attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If printers are coupled using screws in existing kiosks, then the printer can be securely fixed to the kiosk, but the detachment process requires separate tools and is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of printer maintenance operationsVSAvoidtime required for printer attachment and detachment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into a groove structure on the printer and a protruding engaging member on the stand unit. This segmentation allows the printer to be attached by simply engaging the groove with the protrusion, eliminating the need for screws or separate tools while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove and protrusion design enables the printer to be attached and detached through its own structural features without requiring external tools. The manager can simply align and engage the printer's groove with the stand unit's protrusion, making the system self-servicing for attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the printer is loosely coupled to the kiosk, then the attachment process is simple, but the printer is not stably fixed during the detachment/installation process, leading to frequent failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of attachment processVSAvoidstability of printer fixation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into a groove structure on the printer and a protruding engaging member on the stand unit. This segmentation allows the printer to be attached by simply engaging the groove with the protrusion, eliminating the need for screws or separate tools while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The groove and protrusion are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide directional engagement. The protruding engaging member fits into the groove in a specific orientation, ensuring stable fixation while allowing simple attachment from one direction. This asymmetric design prevents accidental disengagement while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS12579868B2Printer detachable kiosk apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 HANASIS

AI summary

A kiosk apparatus capable of mounting or detaching a printer is described. In an embodiment, the printer is fixed by coupling with a stand unit, so the printer can be easily and stably mounted on the kiosk apparatus by simply inserting the printer into the housing. In addition, the embodiment allows the printer to be easily attached and detached from the kiosk apparatus by disconnecting the printer from the stand unit simply by opening operation of the door of the printer without using a separate tool. Therefore, for the maintenance of the printer, the manager can easily mount or detach the printer.