Printer Blade Alignment via Gimbal Plate and Coil Springs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Clamshell printers face issues with the fixed and movable blades not being set at desired positions when the lid is closed, which impairs the cutter function, and there is a demand for reducing the size of these printers, particularly for portable small-size printers.
Innovation Solution
The printer design includes a gimbal plate and coil springs that allow the movable blade unit to be attached to the lid in a way that aligns the fixed and movable blades at predetermined positions when the lid is closed, utilizing die-cast gear boxes and metal components to maintain functionality while reducing the printer's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the lid is closed in a position different from the predetermined position, then the printer can be compact, but the fixed blade and movable blade are not set at desired positions causing cutter function impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a blade positioning mechanism that automatically positions the fixed blade and movable blade at desired positions before the cutting operation. The lid closing mechanism includes positioning features that ensure blades are correctly aligned prior to engagement, so that even if the lid is closed in different positions, the blades are pre-positioned for proper cutting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a blade position detection mechanism that monitors whether the fixed blade and movable blade are at the desired positions. If the blades are not correctly positioned when the lid is closed, the system detects this condition and provides feedback to adjust the blade positions or prevent operation, ensuring reliable cutter function while allowing compact printer design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lid and printer body are firmly attached, then the structure is stable, but the blades cannot be positioned accurately when the lid is closed at non-predetermined positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lid assembly into functionally independent sections: the lid body for structural stability and the blade positioning mechanism for precision alignment. This segmentation allows the lid to be firmly attached to the printer body for stability while the separate positioning mechanism ensures accurate blade alignment regardless of closing position variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary blade positioning mechanism that mediates between the lid closing action and the blade alignment requirement. This intermediary mechanism includes positioning features and adjustment components that ensure accurate blade positioning even when the lid is closed at non-predetermined positions, while maintaining firm attachment between the lid and printer body for structural stability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A printer includes a printer body (10) including a print head (30), a lid (20), a cutter that cuts recording paper, and fixed (50) and movable (60) blade units. The lid (20) is connected to and is opened and closed relative to the printer body (10). The fixed blade unit (50) is provided in the printer body and includes a fixed blade (51) of the cutter. The movable blade unit (60) is provided on the lid (20) and includes a movable blade (61) of the cutter. A first projection (56) is formed at a first end of the fixed blade unit (50) and a first groove (64) is formed at a first end of the movable blade unit (60). A second groove (57) is formed at a second end of the fixed blade unit (50) and a second projection (65) is formed at a second end of the movable blade unit (60). The first (56) and second (65) projections are inside the first (64) and second grooves (57), respectively, when the lid is closed.