Printer Duplex Recording Medium Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers that perform both simplex and duplex recording operations use the same type of recording medium, leading to inferior recording quality, and require increased printer size due to separate storage for each type of medium.
Innovation Solution
A printer design that includes a recording unit for simplex recording and a reversing unit for duplex recording, using a rolled medium for simplex and sheet-like medium for duplex, with a mechanism to switch the recording medium's side for optimal recording quality without increasing printer size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the same type of recording medium is used for both simplex and duplex recording, then the printer structure remains simple, but the recording quality becomes inferior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the recording medium supply system into two separate paths: a first recording medium supply path for simplex recording and a second recording medium supply path for duplex recording. This segmentation allows each path to use recording media optimized for its specific function, thereby improving recording quality while maintaining a manageable printer structure through functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different types of recording media in different supply paths according to their specific usage requirements. The first supply path uses recording media suitable for simplex recording, while the second supply path uses recording media optimized for duplex recording, ensuring that each local system has the quality characteristics needed for its specific function.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate recording media are stored for simplex and duplex recording, then recording quality improves, but the printer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single printer body that can handle both simplex and duplex recording operations through two supply paths. The recording medium supply system is designed to accommodate different media types in different paths, allowing the printer to perform multiple functions (simplex and duplex recording) without requiring separate devices, thereby avoiding an increase in overall printer size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the space constraint by organizing the recording medium supply system in a multi-dimensional layout with separate supply paths arranged in different spatial dimensions. This allows both simplex and duplex recording media to be stored and supplied simultaneously within the same printer footprint, avoiding the need for increased printer size while maintaining the ability to use different media types for different recording modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanism is added to rotate the rolled recording medium to switch sides, then duplex recording capability is achieved, but the printer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the duplex recording function into two independent supply paths rather than using a single path with rotation mechanism. The first supply path handles simplex recording while the second supply path handles duplex recording, eliminating the need for complex rotation mechanisms and reducing printer size while maintaining full duplex recording capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A printer includes a printer unit that performs a recording operation on a recording medium pulled out from a first recording medium holding unit and on a recording medium held by a second recording medium holding unit included in a paper-feeding/paper-reversing unit. The paper-feeding/paper-reversing unit has a third recording medium transportation path in which the side of the recording medium to be subject to simplex recording is switched and through which the recording medium is fed back to a recording unit of the printer unit. The third recording medium transportation path partially overlaps a second recording medium transportation path through which the recording medium is fed to the printer unit.