Printer Flapper Mechanism for Compact Paper Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printers that issue receipts or similar documents require large presenter sizes to accommodate long paper lengths, leading to increased apparatus size and inefficiencies in paper handling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a curving conveying route with a flapper mechanism that allows for the extraction of long recording papers without the need for an extended presenter, enabling compact printer design while allowing for efficient cutting and retrieval of papers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long recording paper is conveyed through a straight presenter, then the paper can be cut and ejected, but the presenter size and apparatus size become large
Solution Approach 1:
The conveying route is configured to include a curved section instead of a straight path. The recording paper follows a curved trajectory through the presenter, allowing the long paper to be accommodated within a compact apparatus volume. The curved conveying route enables the paper to bend and follow the curved path, reducing the linear dimensions required for the presenter.
2Volume of stationary object
If a curved conveying route is used, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the paper may jam or the thermo-sensitive layer may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A flapper mechanism is introduced that can dynamically change the curvature radius of the conveying route. The flapper rotates about a fulcrum to adjust the curvature of the paper path. By changing the flapper's angular position, the curvature radius is adjusted to match the paper length and conveying requirements, preventing paper jamming and protecting the thermo-sensitive layer from damage while maintaining compact apparatus size.
3Volume of stationary object
If the presenter is made compact, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the ability to handle long papers is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper mechanism provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the curvature radius of the conveying route to be adjusted according to different paper lengths and handling requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the compact presenter to effectively handle various paper lengths without compromising its compact size, thus maintaining both compactness and adaptability.
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
Enables the cutting and ejection of long recording papers within a compact printer apparatus, preventing paper jamming and maintaining the integrity of the thermo-sensitive layer, while allowing for automatic retrieval if not immediately extracted.
Implementation Method 1
a flapper which is provided at a curved portion of the conveying route, has a curved shape, and is rotatably attached to the conveying route cover so as to rotatably open or close relative to a main body of the printer
Implementation Method 2
the conveying route cover and the flapper are movable together so as to separate from or contact the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A printer including a printing part which prints on a recording paper; a cutter part which cuts the recording paper; and a conveying part which includes a conveying route having a curving shape and through which the recording paper conveyed through the cutter part is conveyed; a conveying route cover which is attached to the conveying part and covers a portion of the conveying route; and a flapper which is provided at a curved portion of the conveying route, has a curved shape, and is rotatably attached to the conveying route cover so as to rotatably open or close relative to a main body of the printer, wherein the conveying route cover and the flapper are movable together so as to separate from or contact the main body.