Movable Platen Locking for Printer Jam Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in identifying and accessing the platen during jam processing in ordinary printing apparatuses, leading to increased time and complexity in resolving print medium jams.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a platen that can be supported against turning forces and automatically locked at a third position, allowing easy identification and manual adjustment to a second position for jam removal, enhancing visibility and accessibility during jam processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the platen is fixed in position during printing, then printing stability is maintained, but user access for jam processing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platen is designed to be movable between a printing position (first position) where it is supported by a supporting member against turning forces, and a jam processing position (second position) where it can be turned manually. The locking unit locks the platen at these positions to maintain stability during each operation phase, allowing the platen to dynamically adapt to different operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the platen can be easily turned for jam processing, then user accessibility improves, but unintended turning during printing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is configured to preliminarily counteract the turning force applied to the platen during printing by providing support in a direction opposite to the turning force. This preliminary anti-action prevents unintended turning of the platen during the printing process while still allowing manual turning when the supporting member is disengaged for jam processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit performs preliminary action by locking the platen at the printing position before printing begins, ensuring the platen remains stable during printing. The locking unit then unlocks the platen before jam processing to allow manual turning, and relocks it at the jam processing position to maintain stability during the intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the platen is locked at multiple positions, then position stability during operations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is designed to automatically detect when the platen reaches the printing position or jam processing position and automatically locks it there, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The supporting member also automatically engages and disengages based on platen position, allowing the system to self-regulate and reducing operational complexity despite the multi-position locking capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus capable of performing jam processing includes a movable platen. For this purpose, once support of a platen supporting member is released, the platen will automatically turn to a predetermined angle.