Modular Printer Assembly With Pin-and-Hole Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer systems do not facilitate easy assembly of multiple modules, leading to complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A printer system comprising modules with coupling bodies and insertion mechanisms that allow for easy assembly, where each module has a housing with a protruding coupling body and opposing surfaces with insertion holes and pins, enabling precise alignment and simplifying the overall structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are combined in a conventional printer system, then the functionality is improved, but the structure becomes complex and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The printer system is divided into multiple independent modules (print sheet feeding module, printer module, print sheet winding module), each with its own housing and coupling bodies. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured, tested, and assembled separately, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body design with standardized insertion holes and pins creates a universal interface that can be used across different module types. This universal coupling mechanism simplifies the assembly process for various module combinations, reducing the need for custom connection mechanisms for each module pair.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules are combined in a conventional printer system, then the functionality is improved, but the assembly process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling bodies are pre-formed with insertion holes and pins positioned in specific locations before module assembly. This preliminary preparation of coupling interfaces eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during assembly, as the insertion pins naturally guide the modules into correct positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body acts as an intermediary element between adjacent module housings. Rather than requiring direct housing-to-housing connection, the coupling body with its insertion holes and pins serves as a mediator that simplifies the connection process, making assembly easier and more reliable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling body is made smaller than the housing, then the modular design is improved, but the alignment precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is designed with asymmetric features including insertion holes and pins at specific positions and orientations. This asymmetric design ensures that modules can only be assembled in the correct orientation, providing built-in alignment guidance that maintains precision while keeping the coupling body smaller than the full housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body serves as a precision intermediary that transfers and maintains alignment between adjacent modules. The insertion pins fit into insertion holes with tight tolerances, ensuring precise relative positioning of modules without requiring the entire housing to be precisely machined.
Data Source
AI summary
[Object] To provide a printer system that can be easily produced by easily assembling a plurality of modules.[Solution] A printer system 1 includes a plurality of modules 10, 30, and 20 that are coupled to each other. Each of the modules 10, 30, and 20 has a housing 11, 31, or 21 and a coupling body 15, 35, or 25. One of the housing 11, 31, or 21 and the coupling body 15, 35, or 25 has an insertion hole 16, 36, or 26, and the other one of the housing 11, 31, or 21 and the coupling body 15, 35, or 25 has an insertion pin 13, 33, or 23.