Printer Display Unit Removable Mounting for Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing point-of-sale printers require additional installation space due to the need for a separate printer stand to support the display unit connected to the printer main body through cables, limiting space-saving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A thermal printer design where the display unit is removably mounted on the side of the housing, eliminating the need for a printer stand by using a pivotable and snap-fitting mechanism or screws, allowing for space-saving installation and easy mounting/remounting without the need for additional support structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display unit is connected to the printer main body through a cable and supported on a separate printer stand, then the display unit can be positioned at an appropriate height and angle for viewing, but additional installation space is required and the overall system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is integrated directly onto the printer main body housing, merging two previously separate components (printer and display stand) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for additional installation space while maintaining the display unit's positioning functionality through direct mounting on the housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer housing serves multiple functions: it encloses the printer main body components and simultaneously provides a mounting surface for the display unit. This multi-functional design allows the housing to act as both the printer enclosure and the display support structure, reducing the need for separate components.
2Ease of operation
If the display unit is removably mounted on the housing using a pivotable mechanism with snap-fitting or screws, then the display unit can be easily installed and removed, but the mounting structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit incorporates a pivotable mounting mechanism that allows it to rotate between a horizontal position (when not in use) and a vertical position (when in use). This dynamic positioning capability enables easy installation and removal while providing operational flexibility, as the display can be adjusted to different angles and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is divided into separate components: the display unit, the mounting bracket with pivot mechanism, and the housing. This segmentation allows the display unit to be independently mounted or removed from the housing, simplifying installation and maintenance while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
Data Source
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AI summary
A printer (1) for printing information on a recording paper (P), includes: a housing (2), which has the recording paper receiving portion (10) having an opening (25), and includes a plurality of outer surfaces including a bottom surfaces (21) to be opposed to an installation surface (110); a printer (1) cover, which is coupled to the housing (2), and is capable of opening and closing the opening (25); a display unit (7), which is removably mounted on a mounting surface (23A) other than the bottom surfaces (21) among the plurality of outer surfaces, and is configured to display predetermined information; a cable having one end connected to the display unit (7) and another end on which a connector (105) is mounted; and a connector connecting portion (81) to which the connector (105) is connected.