Printer Upper Unit Hinge Mechanism for Multi-Directional Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Printers with a laterally opening upper unit face maintenance challenges in spaces without lateral clearance, and those with rear opening face issues in spaces without rear clearance, as they cannot be easily opened for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A printer design featuring a first pivot support portion along the longitudinal direction of the platen roller and a second pivot support portion orthogonal to it, allowing the upper unit to pivot both laterally and rearward, with a biasing mechanism for easy opening and a locking mechanism to prevent unwanted opening, ensuring stable and constant rear opening width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the upper unit opens only in a lateral direction, then the structure is simple, but maintenance is difficult in spaces without lateral clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is segmented into two independent pivot support portions: a first pivot support portion enabling lateral opening and a second pivot support portion enabling rearward opening. This segmentation allows the upper unit to be opened in multiple directions independently, solving the maintenance accessibility problem in spaces with limited lateral clearance by providing alternative opening paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional (lateral) opening mechanism to a multi-dimensional opening mechanism by adding the second pivot support portion that enables opening in a direction orthogonal to the first pivot axis. This dimensional expansion allows maintenance access from the rear direction, accommodating spaces with restricted lateral access.
2Ease of operation
If the upper unit opens only in a rear direction, then lateral space is saved, but maintenance is difficult in spaces without rear clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is divided into two independent pivot support portions: a first pivot support portion enabling lateral opening and a second pivot support portion enabling rearward opening. This segmentation allows the upper unit to be opened in multiple directions independently, solving the maintenance accessibility problem in spaces with limited rear clearance by providing alternative opening paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimensional (rearward) opening mechanism to a multi-dimensional opening mechanism by adding the first pivot support portion that enables opening in a lateral direction perpendicular to the second pivot axis. This dimensional expansion allows maintenance access from the lateral direction, accommodating spaces with restricted rear access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the upper unit can open in multiple directions, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism is segmented into two independent pivot support portions: a first pivot support portion with its pivot axis along the longitudinal direction of the platen roller, and a second pivot support portion with its pivot axis orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the platen roller. Each pivot support portion is structurally independent, allowing the upper unit to be opened in multiple directions (lateral and rearward) while maintaining a relatively simple and modular structure that avoids excessive complexity.
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 upper unit to be easily opened and maintained in both lateral and rear directions, preventing unwanted opening and ensuring consistent rear opening width, thus facilitating maintenance in various spatial constraints.
Implementation Method 1
the first pivot support portion has a biasing portion for biasing the upper unit in a direction in which the upper unit is released relative to the lower unit
Data Source
Figure 1(A)
Figure 1(B)
Figure 1(C)
AI summary
A front-openable, fully-openable printer and a hinge for a printer used therein are provided. A printer includes a hinge portion for connecting an upper unit and a lower unit, provided at the rear of one of the right and left sides with a paper ejection surface of the printer at the front, and a claw member for latching the upper unit to the lower unit. The hinge portion has a lower hinge bracket connected to the lower unit, an upper hinge bracket connected to the lower hinge bracket with a pivot pin and pivotable about the pivot pin, and a bracket cover for containing and fixing the upper hinge bracket. The upper unit has a ring portion into which a distal end portion of the bracket cover is inserted, which allows the upper unit to pivot about the bracket cover.