Movable Printer Unit for Dual Transport Path Media Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for printing and scanning printable media require significant space and have complex structures due to separate printers and transport paths for different media types, such as prescriptions and receipts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a single printer unit and two parallel transport paths, where the printer and scanner share drives to transport and process media on both paths simultaneously, with synchronization of drives to prevent media damage and optimize space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate printers and transport paths are used for different media types, then each media type can be processed independently, but the device requires significant space and has a complex structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple printer devices and transport paths into a single integrated device. One printer device is equipped with multiple printing units that can be positioned to serve different transport paths, allowing the same physical device to handle multiple media types (prescriptions, receipts, lottery tickets) that would traditionally require separate printers.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer device is designed with universal functionality to handle different media types through a single device. The printing unit can be displaced to print on different transport paths, and the device can process various media formats (sheets and rolls) using the same core printing mechanism, eliminating the need for dedicated printers for each media type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate printers and presenters are used for different media types, then each media type can be processed independently, but the device structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple printer devices and presenter devices into a single integrated system. The printer device includes multiple printing units that can serve different transport paths, and the presenter device can collect and issue different media types from a single location, significantly simplifying the overall device structure compared to having separate independent devices for each media type.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing unit is designed to be movable or displaceable, allowing it to dynamically position itself to print on different transport paths as needed. This dynamic capability enables a single printing unit to serve multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple fixed printing devices, reducing structural complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If a single printer unit serves multiple transport paths, then space requirements are reduced, but the printer unit must be displaced to print on different paths
Solution Approach 1:
The printing unit is designed with displacement capability, allowing it to move between different positions to print on different transport paths. This dynamic positioning mechanism enables a single printing unit to serve multiple paths without requiring separate fixed printers for each path, achieving space efficiency while maintaining printing capability across multiple media types.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for printing and scanning printable media comprises a printer unit (10) with a first drive (100A) and a printing unit (107) for printing the printable media (2, 3), a scanner unit (11) for scanning the printable media (2, 3) with a drive (110) and a presenter unit (12) for dispensing and feeding the printable media (2, 3), wherein the printable media (2, 3) are transportable along a first transport path (17A) by means of the first drive (100A) of the printer unit (10) and the drive (110) of the scanner unit (11).The printer (10) is provided to include a second drive (100B), wherein printable media (2, 3) can be transported along a second transport lane (17B) parallel to the first transport lane (17A) by means of the second drive (100B) of the printer (10) and the drive (110) of the scanner (11), and wherein the printing unit (107) is movable along the transport lanes (17A, 17B) such that printable media (2, 3) can be printed on both transport lanes (17A, 17B) with the printing unit (107). In this way, a device is provided with which printable media can be scanned on at least one transport lane and transported and printed on two transport lanes, the device having a reduced footprint and a simple design.