Portable Printer with Collapsible Paper Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable devices, such as tablets and smartphones, cannot print documents on the go without access to an external printer or stable wireless connectivity, limiting their functionality in locations without WiFi or available printers.
Innovation Solution
A portable printer apparatus with a rechargeable battery, collapsible prongs for paper guidance, and a light emitting diode screen for display, designed to connect wirelessly with mobile devices via Bluetooth, allowing users to print documents from any location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a portable printer is designed to be compact and lightweight for portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but printing reliability and functionality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the paper support member within the housing such that it can be received within the housing when in the stored position. The support member is nested inside the printer body, allowing the printer to maintain a compact form factor while still accommodating the necessary printing components for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic design through the movable support member that can transition between a stored position (nested within housing) and a paper support position (extended to support paper). This dynamic configuration allows the printer to be compact during transport while providing full printing functionality when needed, resolving the contradiction between portability and reliability.
2Device complexity
If wireless connectivity options are removed from portable devices to reduce complexity, then device simplicity is improved, but printing capability in locations without WiFi deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a direct wireless communication link between the mobile device and portable printer as an intermediary solution. This eliminates the need for complex integrated wireless printing systems within mobile devices while still enabling printing capability. The portable printer acts as the mediator that receives print jobs directly from mobile devices without requiring WiFi or external printer infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a portable printer includes all necessary components for standalone operation, then printing functionality is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the paper support function into a separate, movable support member that can be extended only when needed. Instead of incorporating a large built-in paper tray, the design takes out the support mechanism and makes it collapsible, allowing the printer to maintain a compact volume while still providing complete printing functionality when the support member is deployed.
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
Enables convenient and reliable printing from mobile devices without the need for external printers or stable internet connections, enhancing portability and usability in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting diode screen member attach to the outer surface of the main body and is adapted to display images and verbiage being electronically sent to the receiver member
Implementation Method 2
The power source is formed as a rechargeable battery member
Data Source
AI summary
A portable printer apparatus is a specially designed enhancement for portable laptop computers, tablets, and smart phones that incorporates a portable printer apparatus with the convenience of a portable electronic unit. The portable printer apparatus is battery powered and able to connect to a portable electronic device and print any on-line or off-line documents that the portable electronic device is able to receive wirelessly or store in memory, from any location regardless of power availability.