Printer Paper Cutter Linkage Mechanism for Compact Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing printer designs with paper cutter apparatuses face issues of increased size due to the configuration of the movable blade and driving source, leading to unintentional collisions and abrasion of gear teeth during repeated engagement and disengagement when the printer cover is opened and closed.

Innovation Solution

A printer design featuring a fixed blade and a drivable movable blade, where the movable blade and driving link are provided in a swing door, and the driving source and slider are in the body, with a driving force conveyed through a link mechanism that engages and disengages based on the door's position, preventing size increase and improving durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the movable blade and driving source are provided in the printer cover, then the printer cover size increases, but the gear collision and abrasion problem is avoided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of gearVSAvoidprinter cover size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the printer into two main sections: the printer cover containing the movable blade, and the printer body containing the fixed blade and driving source. This segmentation allows the driving link to engage and disengage from the slider based on door position, preventing gear collision while maintaining compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic engagement mechanism where the driving link automatically engages with the slider when the printer door is closed and disengages when the door is opened. This dynamic behavior eliminates unintentional gear collision during door operation while maintaining a compact printer cover design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the driving link and slider are engaged during door opening and closing, then the gear teeth collide and abrasion occurs, but the driving force transmission is continuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous driving force transmissionVSAvoidgear durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic engagement system where the driving link and slider automatically engage when the printer door is closed and disengage when the door is opened. This ensures continuous driving force transmission during printing operations while preventing gear collision during door movement, thereby maintaining both productivity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slider acts as an intermediary between the driving source and the movable blade. It receives driving force from the driving source when engaged and transmits it to the movable blade, enabling continuous operation during door-closed states while preventing direct gear collision during door opening by disengaging the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3513928B1printer
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 STAR MICRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3513928B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3513928B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3513928B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A printer provided with a paper cutter apparatus having improved durability and preventing an increase in size of the whole printer is provided. The printer is provided with the paper cutter apparatus having a fixed blade and a drivable movable blade. The printer comprises a body and a swing door openably attached to the body. The fixed blade is provided in the body and the movable blade is provided in the swing door. A driving link is provided in the swing door and coupled to the movable blade. A driving motor as a driving source is provided in the body. A slider is provided in the body. Driving force of the driving motor is conveyed to the driving link via the slider and the movable blade is moved toward the fixed blade by the driving link.