Printer Cover Deformation Regulation via Localized Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printing apparatuses face issues with the opening and closing cover deviating from its closed position due to bending deformation, leading to disengagement from the ink cartridge charging unit, especially in designs where the cover is long and prone to bending.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cover side deformation regulating portion on the opening and closing cover, positioned to counteract bending deformation, and a mounting portion side deformation regulating portion to maintain the cover's position, along with a locking mechanism to secure the cover's rotation from the closed to open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the opening and closing cover is made long in the rotation shaft direction to cover the opening fully, then the coverage and sealing effect are improved, but the cover becomes easily bent and deformed causing disengagement from the mounting portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing deformation regulating portions at specific locations on the cover (near the rotation shaft and at intermediate positions) rather than uniformly strengthening the entire cover. These localized rigid portions prevent bending at critical areas while maintaining the overall long structure needed for full coverage of the mounting portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is segmented into multiple functional zones: a long flexible portion for coverage, localized rigid portions for structural support, and deformation regulating portions for preventing bending. This segmentation allows different parts of the cover to have different mechanical properties, enabling both long coverage and resistance to deformation.
2Device complexity
If the cover structure is simplified without deformation regulating portions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the cover deviates from the closed position due to bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation regulating portions are designed into the cover structure in advance (preliminarily) to prevent bending deformation before it occurs. These pre-positioned rigid portions and regulating structures proactively counteract potential deformation forces, ensuring the cover maintains its closed position without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If deformation regulating portions are added to prevent bending, then the position stability of the cover is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly complexifying the entire cover structure, the patent introduces deformation regulating portions only at specific critical locations where bending is most likely to occur (near the rotation shaft and at intermediate positions). This localized approach provides necessary structural support while minimizing the overall increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation regulating portions utilize curved or arc-shaped structures (such as arc-shaped ribs or curved reinforcement elements) that naturally resist bending forces through their geometric form. These curved structures provide mechanical strength and deformation resistance without requiring additional complex components, as the geometry itself contributes to the rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a mounting portion in which a container is detachably mounted through an opening, an opening and closing cover that is attached to be rotatable by being bent and deformed and is rotated between an open position where an opening is open and a closed position where the opening is closed around a rotation shaft provided on one end side, a mounting portion side deformation regulating portion (second eaves portion) that is provided on a side of mounting portion, and a cover side deformation regulating portion (protruding portion) disposed to face so as to be capable of coming into contact with the mounting portion side deformation regulating portion when the opening and closing cover is present at the closed position in a case in which the opening and closing cover is bent and deformed is provided on a side of an opening and closing cover.