Printer Cutter Dual Spring Mechanism Reduces Blade Collision Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cutter device in printers generates noise due to a strong collision between the movable blade holder and other components during the retracting motion, caused by the coil spring biasing the movable blade back to its retraction position.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual elastic member system, where a first biasing member (tension spring) pulls the movable blade to the cutting position and a second biasing member, disposed obliquely and parallel to the blade surface, counteracts the first biasing member's force to reduce noise by weakening the retracting force, allowing smoother blade return and minimizing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a coil spring is used to bias the movable blade to the retraction position for quick return, then the cutting speed and productivity are improved, but the movable blade holder strongly collides with other members causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The single spring system is segmented into two separate springs: a first spring that provides the primary biasing force for quick return, and a second spring that provides a counteracting force to reduce collision intensity. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each spring's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The second spring acts as a counterweight system, providing a force that opposes the first spring's biasing force. This counteracting force reduces the net force during retraction, preventing strong collisions while maintaining adequate return speed.
2Loss of time
If the movable blade is biased strongly to the retraction position, then the blade returns quickly improving efficiency, but the holder collides with members causing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static single-spring biasing system to a dynamic dual-spring system where the forces can be independently adjusted. This allows the blade to return quickly while the counteracting force prevents excessive collision, optimizing both time efficiency and noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the parameters of the spring system from one spring to two springs with different force characteristics, the system achieves both quick return (maintained by the first spring) and reduced collision (achieved by the second spring's counteracting force).
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
This configuration enables high-speed cutting with reduced noise levels by stabilizing the movable blade's movement and preventing damage, while maintaining efficient cutting performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member configured to pull the first blade located in the cutting position in a direction in which the first blade moves to the standby position
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member configured to pull the first blade located in the standby position in a direction in which the first blade moves to the cutting position
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a first blade configured to be movable between a standby position and a cutting position, a second blade configured to contact the first blade located in the cutting position, a drive mechanism configured to drive the first blade, a first elastic member configured to pull the first blade located in the cutting position in a direction in which the first blade moves to the standby position, and a second elastic member configured to pull the first blade located in the standby position in a direction in which the first blade moves to the cutting position.