Print Device Tape Ribbon Mounting Spatial Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing print devices with both tube and tape printing mechanisms tend to increase in size when these mechanisms are arranged side by side, leading to space inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The tape and ribbon mounting portions are arranged side by side along the extending direction of the tube mounting portion on the same side, allowing for a compact design that prevents the print device from increasing in size in intersecting directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tube printing mechanism and the tape printing mechanism are arranged side by side, then the device can perform both printing functions, but the size of the print device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tape mounting portion and ribbon mounting portion are nested within the same side of the tube mounting portion, with the tape and ribbon cassettes positioned to overlap in the width direction. This nesting arrangement allows both printing mechanisms to share the same spatial envelope, enabling the device to perform both tube and tape printing functions while maintaining a compact overall size.
2Ease of operation
If the tape mounting portion and ribbon mounting portion are arranged on opposite sides of the tube mounting portion, then the mechanisms can be separated, but the device width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tape mounting portion and ribbon mounting portion are merged into the same side of the tube mounting portion, creating a compact triangular arrangement of the three mounting portions. The tape cassette and ribbon cassette are positioned to overlap in the width direction, effectively combining their spatial requirements into a smaller footprint while maintaining independent operability of each printing mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print device (1) includes a tape mounting portion (20), a tape printing mechanism (50), a tape guide (24), a tube mounting portion (40), a ribbon mounting portion (30), a tube printing mechanism (60) and a tube discharge opening (16). The tape mounting portion is configured such that a tape (8) is detachably mounted in the tape mounting portion. The tube mounting portion is configured such that a tube (9) is detachably mounted in the tube mounting portion along a predetermined direction. The ribbon mounting portion is configured such that an ink ribbon (93) is detachably mounted in the ribbon mounting portion. The tape mounting portion and the ribbon mounting portion are disposed on a same side with respect to the tube mounting portion, and are disposed side by side along the predetermined direction.