Mobile Printer Cradle Latch Linkage for One-Hand Dock Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile printer docking and charging devices lack secure attachment mechanisms and efficient release methods, often requiring repeated plugging and unplugging of wired connections, which complicates the docking and undocking process.

Innovation Solution

A cradle system with four-point attachment using printer capture flanges and biased latches, combined with a biased release member and release linkage, allows for secure attachment and simplified single-hand release of mobile printers, while facilitating electrical communication and charging without the need to repeatedly connect wired accessories.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wired connections are repeatedly plugged and unplugged for docking and undocking, then the printing device can be moved between locations, but the complexity of the docking process increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedocking processVSAvoidconnection process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical attachment function and electrical connection function into a single integrated docking action. The printing device is attached to the external device housing through a unified docking mechanism that simultaneously establishes both mechanical support and electrical communication, eliminating the need for separate connection steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking mechanism is designed to automatically establish electrical connections when the printing device is mechanically attached to the external device housing. The system self-services by integrating contacts that engage automatically during the docking process, removing the need for manual plugging of wired connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is implemented, then the printing device remains firmly attached to the cradle, but the release process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrelease process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a release member as an intermediary component that mediates between the user and the latch mechanism. The release member translates simple user input into the complex action of releasing the latch, allowing secure attachment during normal operation while enabling easy release when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the latch member for securing, the release member for releasing, and the associated linkages. This segmentation allows the secure attachment function to be independent of the release function, enabling simple release operation without compromising attachment security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If the cradle is designed to support extended battery configurations, then the printing device can operate longer, but the cradle size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery operation timeVSAvoidcradle size

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cradle is designed with a flexible battery cavity that can dynamically adapt to different battery configurations. The cavity can accommodate both standard batteries and extended battery packs through movable or adjustable walls, allowing the cradle to provide extended operation time without requiring a permanently larger structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides a secure and efficient method for attaching and detaching mobile printers, maintaining electrical communication and charging, and simplifies the handling of wired connections, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

first and second biased latches extending from the cradle body... each of the first and second biased latches defining a printer drive surface and a lock surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first and second biased latches are spring biased toward the locked position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11794488B2Cradle apparatus and printing device interface

Publication Date: 2023.10.24 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

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.