Printer NFC Unit Corner Placement for Multi-Oriented Accessibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Printing devices that can be used in multiple orientations face challenges with ease of use and size, as the location of contactless communication units and other components changes, making them less accessible and larger in size to accommodate different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A printing device design with a contactless communication unit positioned at the corner where the top and front surfaces meet, allowing for easy accessibility in both orientations without the need for additional units or location changes, and incorporating a circuit board along the top surface to control the printhead, along with a water-resistant member and sheet metal member for static protection, while concentrating drive units and connectors for space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the printing device is equipped with a contactless communication device to read information from mobile terminals, then information input capability is improved, but the location of the communication unit becomes farther from the user when orientation changes, deteriorating ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The case is designed with a universal structure that can be mounted in multiple orientations (vertically on wall or horizontally on surface). The contactless communication unit is integrated into the case structure itself, allowing it to serve multiple functions while maintaining accessibility regardless of mounting orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-orientation design to multi-orientation capability by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The contactless communication unit is positioned on the case surface that remains accessible in both vertical and horizontal mounting configurations, effectively adding orientation as a dimension of usability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional configurations are added to accommodate changing device orientation (such as multiple recesses for paper roll, two locations for detector, means of changing display unit orientation), then adaptability to different orientations is improved, but the device becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The roll paper holder is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate the paper roll in both vertical and horizontal orientations using the same recess. The detector is positioned to detect the paper roll regardless of orientation, eliminating the need for multiple detector locations. The display unit is designed to display information correctly in both orientations without requiring orientation-changing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of multiple components into a unified structure. The case integrates the contactless communication unit, display unit, and roll paper holder into a single cohesive design that maintains functionality across orientations. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components for each orientation, reducing overall device size.
Data Source
AI summary
A NFC communication unit 10 for communication by contactless near-field communication is disposed to a third side 23 of the printer case 2. The roll paper printer 1 can be used in a first orientation 1A in which the third side 23 (first surface) where the NFC communication unit 10 is located is at the front, and in a second orientation 1B in which the third side 23 is at the top. The NFC communication unit 10 is disposed to a corner where the third side 23 (first surface) and the first side 21 (second surface) connect. A display unit 9 and recording paper exit 3 are also disposed at this corner.