Print Media Stacking Layout for Compact Printer Footprints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses require a large installation space due to the stacking part being designed to accommodate various sizes of print media, resulting in a protrusion that increases the overall size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
The printing apparatus incorporates an accommodating unit, conveyance unit, printing unit, and a stacking part that stacks print media at different positions, with the stacking part arranged above the accommodating unit and below the printing unit, allowing for compact design by expanding and contracting to accommodate different media sizes and sort them efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stacking part is designed to accommodate various sizes of print media, then the adaptability is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking part is designed to be movable in the width direction, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position between a retracted state (reducing apparatus width) and an extended state (increasing stacking capacity). This dynamic configuration enables the stacking part to accommodate various print media sizes while minimizing the overall apparatus footprint during non-use periods
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking part utilizes the width direction (lateral dimension) for sorting and stacking operations, rather than only extending in the depth direction. By moving the stacking part laterally to different stacking positions, the apparatus can sort multiple bundles of print media without requiring excessive installation space in any single dimension
2Area of moving object
If the stacking part protrudes from the printing apparatus to ensure stacking area, then the stacking capacity is improved, but the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking part transitions from a static protruding structure to a dynamic component that can extend and retract. During printing operations, the stacking part extends to provide adequate stacking area; during idle periods, it retracts to minimize the apparatus's overall dimensions, thus resolving the contradiction between stacking capacity and apparatus size
3Productivity
If the stacking part is positioned to sort print media efficiently, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stacking part's ability to move laterally to different positions enables efficient sorting of multiple bundles of print media. The control unit automatically manages the stacking part's movement to appropriate stacking positions based on the printing job requirements, achieving high sorting productivity through automated control rather than complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The stacking part serves multiple functions: it acts as both a stacking surface and a sorting mechanism by moving to different positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sorting mechanisms, maintaining device simplicity while improving productivity through the stacking part's positional versatility
Data Source
AI summary
A technology that enables downsizing of an apparatus is to be provided. A printing apparatus includes: an accommodating unit configured to accommodate a print medium; a conveyance unit configured to convey the print medium fed from the accommodating unit in a first direction; a printing unit configured to perform printing on the print medium conveyed by the conveyance unit; and a first stacking part configured to stack the print medium, on which printing has been performed by the printing unit, at a first position and a second position which is different from the first position in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, wherein the first stacking part is arranged above the accommodating unit, below the printing unit.