Printer Cover Mechanism for Foreign Matter Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printing apparatuses face issues with foreign matter infiltration into the casing portion during the movement of the support portion from an outer set position to an inner printing region, leading to potential contamination and increased size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cover portion that protrudes to the set position side of the casing portion to cover part of the movement path of the support portion, which is displaceable between closed and open positions, either by sliding, rotating, or attaching/detaching, to prevent foreign matter infiltration and maintain compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support portion is moved from the set position outside the casing portion to the printing region on the inner portion of the casing portion, then the workability for setting the medium is improved, but foreign matter infiltrates inside the casing portion from the opening portion
Solution Approach 1:
A cover portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the opening portion of the casing and the movement path of the support portion. The cover portion can be opened to allow the support portion to move in and out, and closed to prevent foreign matter infiltration, thus mediating between the need for accessibility and the need for protection
Solution Approach 2:
The cover portion is configured to be movable between an opened state (allowing support portion movement) and a closed state (preventing foreign matter infiltration). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its protection level based on the operational phase, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and contamination prevention
2Ease of operation
If the set position is provided at a position greatly separated from the casing portion, then the workability for setting the medium is improved, but the size of the printing apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion extends in the direction of the movement path of the support portion, utilizing the spatial dimension along the movement trajectory. This allows the set position to be located outside the casing portion without significantly increasing the overall footprint of the apparatus in other dimensions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover portion is provided to cover the movement path, then foreign matter infiltration is suppressed, but the workability for setting the medium is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover portion is designed to be movable between opened and closed states. During medium setting operations, the cover portion is opened to provide access to the support portion. During printing operations, the cover portion is closed to prevent foreign matter infiltration. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between protection and accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing portion that performs printing on a medium that is positioned in a printing region, a casing portion that covers the printing region, a support portion that is able to support the medium and is able to move so as to include the printing region and a set position at which the medium is set that includes at least a position outside of the casing portion on a movement path, and a cover portion that is provided so as to protrude to the set position side with respect to the casing portion and cover at least a part of the movement path of the support portion.