Printer Cradle Latch Linkage for Secure Docking and One-Hand Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer docks and charging devices face challenges in providing secure, efficient, and convenient docking, charging, and networking solutions for mobile printers, often requiring repeated plugging and unplugging of wired connections.
Innovation Solution
A cradle apparatus with a four-point attachment system, including capture flanges and biased latches, facilitates secure docking and charging, while allowing for single-hand release and maintaining electrical communication through a communication port, enabling wireless and wired connectivity without frequent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure attachment system is used to firmly dock the printing device, then docking reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple attachment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into four independent attachment points (first and second capture flanges with first and second biased latches) distributed around the battery compartment. Each attachment point operates independently to secure the printing device, providing redundant security while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The capture flange and biased latch are combined into a single integrated attachment mechanism that performs both capturing and locking functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving secure attachment through the coordinated action of the flange's capture portion and the latch's lock surface.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a four-point attachment system is used to securely dock the printer, then docking stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in release
Solution Approach 1:
A release linkage acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the user's simple pressing action on the release member into coordinated movement of all four biased latches. This mediator enables easy single-handed release while maintaining the stability provided by the four-point attachment system during docking.
Solution Approach 2:
The biased latches are spring-loaded to automatically engage with the capture flanges when the printing device is inserted, providing self-securing functionality. The system performs the attachment action automatically without requiring user intervention, while still allowing easy release through the release mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wired communication connections are frequently disconnected and reconnected, then adaptability to different devices is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle pre-configures the communication port and electrical connections in advance, ready to establish contact as soon as the printing device is docked. The attachment mechanism and communication interface are positioned and prepared beforehand, eliminating the need for separate plugging actions and reducing connection time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical attachment function and electrical communication connection are merged into a single integrated docking action. When the printing device is secured by the four-point attachment system, electrical communication is simultaneously established through the communication port, combining security and connectivity in one operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cradle apparatus provides secure, efficient docking and charging with simplified single-hand release, maintaining continuous electrical communication and network connectivity, reducing the need for repeated connection and disconnection of wired devices.
Implementation Method 1
first and second biased latches extending from the cradle body and disposed proximate a second side of the extended battery cavity, each of the first and second biased latches defining a printer drive surface and a lock surface
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a cradle has a cradle body configured to support a printing device. The cradle has first and second printer capture flanges extending from the cradle body proximate a capture end of the cradle body. The cradle has first and second biased latches extending from the cradle body between the capture end and a release end of the cradle body. The cradle has a biased release member movable between a first position and a release position. The cradle has a release linkage supported by the cradle body, the release linkage coupling the biased release member and the first and second biased latches, wherein the release linkage is structured to drive the first and second biased latches from respective locked positions to respective unlocked positions in response to movement of the biased release member from a first position to a release position.