Swingable Printer Lid for Ink Absorber Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance of ink absorbing members in printer devices is complicated due to the use of screws or similar fastening methods, leading to increased complexity in replacing the members.
Innovation Solution
A printer device design featuring a swingable lid that covers the ink discharge unit, allowing exposure of the ink absorbing member through an opening, and includes a detection mechanism to ensure the lid is closed before operation, with a magnet for secure closure and improved operability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lid is fixed using screws or similar fastening methods, then the ink absorbing member is securely fixed, but the maintenance work becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into a lid body and a lid holder that can be separated. The lid holder remains fixed to the ink discharge unit while the lid body can be easily opened and closed, eliminating the need for screws while maintaining secure fixation during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic structure where the lid body can swing open and closed while the lid holder remains stationary. This dynamic design allows easy access for maintenance while maintaining reliability during printing operations.
2Ease of repair
If the lid is made swingable to improve maintainability, then the replacement of ink absorbing member becomes easier, but the risk of accidental opening during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid holder acts as an intermediary between the fixed mounting structure and the movable lid body. It provides a secure attachment point that remains stationary while allowing the lid body to swing, ensuring the movable part never fully detaches during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection unit monitors the lid state by detecting the position of the lid body relative to the lid holder, creating a virtual copy of the physical state to ensure safety without restricting the physical movement needed for maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If an opening is formed in the lid to expose the ink absorbing member, then the replacement operation is simplified, but the structural integrity of the lid is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented into a lid body with an opening for access and a lid holder that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the opening to be placed in the lid body without compromising the overall structural integrity, as the lid holder maintains the connection to the ink discharge unit.
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
The design enhances maintainability by simplifying the replacement of ink absorbing members and reduces the risk of accidental opening during operation, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
an ink absorbing member that absorbs the ink is provided inside the ink discharge unit
Implementation Method 2
a magnet for secure closure and improved operability
Data Source
AI summary
A printer device (10) includes a base portion (23); an ink discharge unit (30) which is provided on the base portion (23) and to which ink is discharged; and a lid that covers (40) the ink discharge unit (30). The ink discharge unit (30) includes an ink absorbing member (32) capable of absorbing the discharged ink. The lid (40) includes an opening (41a) formed to allow at least a part of the ink absorbing member (32) to be exposed, and is provided to be swingable with respect to the ink absorbing member (32). Preferably, the base portion (23) is provided with a magnet (27) capable of coming into close contact with the lid (40) to keep the lid (40) in a closed state.